Viewers can stroll around the 12 virtual exhibition halls with the support of 5G, virtual reality, big data and artificial intelligence technologies.[Photo/screenshot from the official website of the 16th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair]

The 16th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair opened online  Monday. Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the expo is entirely based on a virtual exhibition platform for the first time in history.

Since 2004, the annual event has become one of the nation's largest and most influential cultural industry fairs. It was supposed to be held in May this year, but due to coronavirus was postponed to be held online this month.

However, the innovative channel is facilitating the fair to attract 40 percent more participants, compared to last year. A total of 3,243 companies from 30 countries and regions, such as Japan, France and Brazil, participated in the online feast with more than 21,000 exhibitors.

The five-day event will post live stream lectures on Chinese culture, tourism resources, and introduce the nation's latest achievements and products in the sector.

Viewers can stroll around the 12 virtual exhibition halls with the support of 5G, virtual reality, big data and artificial intelligence technologies, while a cloud-based signing system will allow them to ink contracts online as well.

The event features two new halls - film technology and internet industry - where China's top internet and film companies, including Tencent, Alibaba and Bona Film Group, will display their latest works.