The 18th China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition opened in grand style on Sept 6 in Zibo, East China's Shandong province.

To last until Sept 9, the event includes four exhibition venues at the city's ceramic technology center, the fortune ceramic center, the ceramic industry headquarters base and the Zichuan 1954 ceramic cultural creative park.

According to the organizing committee, the expo is divided into nine sections covering exhibitions, competitions, promotions, interactive exhibits and forums, with more than 50 activities on offer.

One highlight is the presentation of work by Shenzhen colored glaze artists, including a five-meter-high colored glass peacock by artists from Shenzhen and Zibo.

Ceramic products used in the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Qingdao are also on exhibition.

The 17th China (Zibo) New Materials Technology Forum will be held from Sept 11 to 15, and will attract industry insiders, experts and leading ceramic manufacturers from around the world to share insights about the future development of the ceramics industry. A series of forums, on-site investigations and business promotions will also take place.

The exposition and the forum began in 2001 and are jointly sponsored by the China Ceramics Industries Association, the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Zibo municipal government. They are designed to promote technical and trade exchange in the ceramics industries and further consolidate Zibo’s image as the "capital of ceramics."

This ceramic colored glaze camel, which was displayed during the 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou and the 2017 Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, is on exhibition during the 18th China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition in Zibo, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The porcelain series used in the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Qingdao is also on display at the 18th China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition in Zibo, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This porcelain vase series was used in the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Qingdao and can be seen the 18th China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition in Zibo, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]