The 16th China International Digital Publishing Expo will be held in Jinan, capital of Shandong province, from Aug 27 to 29, featuring a new dedicated zone showcasing how video games can draw inspiration from traditional Chinese culture.

The event will feature seven exhibition zones, one main forum, six themed forums, and over 80 side events.

There will be dedicated exhibition zones for digital publishing, technological innovation, and international cooperation, along with a new area integrating traditional Chinese culture and online games and another highlighting Shandong's digital transformation achievements.

A series of forums will bring together representatives from publishing groups, tech firms, universities, and international organizations. Discussions will cover digital publishing, artificial intelligence, cross-sector development, and global academic exchange. Several industry reports and interim results on AI-related standards are also expected to be released.

Centered on cross-industry integrated development, the expo will hold seminars on converting publishing IP into short dramas, animations, and video games. A string of international exchange activities such as a China–Africa publishing forum will advance cross-border industrial collaboration, while creative workshops, new book launches, and author signing sessions will keep the public engaged.

First held in 2005, the expo is China's only national-level international expo focusing on digital publishing. This year's expo is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors, with delegations from 20 provincial-level regions and overseas participants from over 30 countries and regions.