China is doubling down on its intention to increase trade with France, and Europe as a whole. The country is hosting an exhibition celebrating Sino-France relations in Paris this week, with the largest exhibition center in the French capital holding a 12-day cultural display for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Exhibitors include prolific authors and artists, while Chinese chefs are showing off their culinary skills. 

Organizers tried to host the exhibition virtually during the COVID lockdowns but the enthusiasm for the demonstrations never quite matched that of a live, in-person, display. 

This year's expo follows French President Emmanuel Macron's successful diplomatic visit to China in April. Macron's visit with the Head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, carried major diplomatic aims, especially related to China's role in potentially brokering peace in the Ukraine conflict. 

It also held commercial ambitions. Organizers of the 2023 China Expo say the Paris event fulfils the ideals of China's president Xi Jinping, to reopen China to the world, and believe it shows commitment to deepening ties between China and France. 

From art to literature, expo visitors are offered a glimpse of an ancient Chinese world. 

The contemporary art on display reflects a modern touch, with curated displays offering something for die-hard art lovers and generalists alike. 

The expo offers a delicate balance of technique and tradition, and organizers hope events like these will pique interest in further cultural exports including art and music. 

President of the Chinese publishing house New World Press, Li Chunkai, says it's a good idea to encourage large numbers of people to visit such cultural and artistic exchanges.

Li told CGTN: "After the reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunities to exchange with other countries have multiplied. And it is very important for us that our countries can exchange their customs and culture regularly and be inspired by each other." 

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The success of Macron's recent diplomatic stop wasn't lost on several attendees. 

Vice President of the China International Communication Group, Yu Tao, told CGTN that the recent meeting between the French and Chinese heads of state – Macron and Xi – set the tone for potential future ventures.

He said: "They set a very good example for our two civilizations to learn from each other more. For example, President Macron learnt a lot about ancient Chinese music when he visited China." 

You added: "I think their meeting will facilitate further developments and mutual learning between the two countries, especially for our younger generation who will learn more from each other. Chinese people, what we learn from history, no matter (if it's from) China or France, both of us benefit if we learn from each other and exchange our views and culture on other topics."

Visitors will be able to take in the sights and sounds of Chinese culture at the exhibition until May 8. 

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