The CIIE is not only an exhibition of imported products, innovative technologies and services, but also a great stage for global cultural exchanges. Performances with local characteristics and many intangible cultural heritage items were staged on the central square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue for the expo, to showcase Chinese culture to visitors.

Fengtai Huagudeng, a folk dance that originated in Fengtai county, Anhui, is performed during the CIIE. The dance has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Zeng Lian, a national first-class actress, performs Sichuan Qingyin, which are folk songs sung in the Sichuan dialect, during the fifth CIIE.

A Hebei-style shadow play is staged at the fifth CIIE.

A man plays the Lusheng, a Chinese wind instrument and a national intangible cultural heritage item, during the fifth CIIE. His performance was done in the style of ethnic people in Guizhou.

Changxing Baiyelong, a dragon dance that originated in Changxing county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, is performed during the fifth CIIE. Baiyelong literally means a dragon made of 100 lotus petals. The dance is a national-level intangible cultural heritage item.

The New Shanghai Orchestra (NSO) gives a performance during the fifth CIIE.

Children sing at the fifth CIIE.