"Minerals enriching Jinling, Verdant Splendor"2024 China Nanjing (International) Mineral, Gem & Fossil Expo Officially Launches"
On May 29, the launch ceremony of the second China Nanjing (International) Mineral Gemstone & Fossil Expo—a grand "City of Stone" event gathering exquisite minerals from around the world—was held at the Nanjing International Exhibition Center. Hundreds of experts, scholars, mineral dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts from across the globe gathered to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of minerals once again!
This year's expo is co-hosted by the Viewstone Association of China(VSAC), Nanjing University, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Chinese National Geography magazine, and Jiangsu Cable Network. It is organized by the Mineral Crystals Special Committee of the VSAC, Jiangsu Mineral Culture Exchange Center, and Jiangsu Jiangwen Exhibition Co., Ltd. Drawing global attention, the event promises to blossom into a dazzling "mineral expo" spectacle in the ancient city of Nanjing.
Unveiling Nanjing’s Geological Story
Continuing the Legacy of the City of Stone
A stone can expand an industry; a stone can carry forward a culture. Here, ornamental stones—praised as "wordless poetry and three-dimensional paintings"—tell the profound tales of Chinese culture and philosophy. Mineral crystals—hailed as "meticulously designed by God"—display the grandeur of Western science and the artistry of nature.
The Nanjing Mineral Expo is not only a perfect showcase of natural and ecological beauty, but also a vivid reflection of Jiangsu's efforts to expand high-level openness and accelerate the construction of a globally two-way open hub.
Shou Jiahua, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land and Resources and founding president of the VSAC, delivered a speech. She first reviewed the grand success of the first Mineral Expo held in Nanjing, affirming that the event is rooted in "natural resources," guided by "scientific spirit," committed to "public science education," and driven by the vision of "openness and mutual trust." She emphasized that the expo serves as a bridge and bond in advancing scientific literacy and has contributed "Mineral Expo wisdom" to promoting the building of a human community with a shared future.
Looking ahead to the second Nanjing Mineral Expo, she stated:
"This year's expo has reached new heights compared to last year—with more co-organizers, expanded exhibition area, upgraded exhibits, greater international participation, an increased number of foreign exhibitors, richer event offerings, and more exciting science education programs. We have achieved year-on-year progress, driven by 'new quality productive forces' as our internal engine and innovation as our key breakthrough."
Countless young students and scholars from universities have joined the ranks of mineral enthusiasts and researchers. They continue to elevate the appreciation of mineral culture, promote the essence of geoscience, and contribute to the sustained development of science popularization in the fields of minerals, gems, and fossils.
In his address, Lu Xiancai, Vice President of Nanjing University, stated that during this Mineral Expo, Nanjing University is actively collaborating to advance geoscience education through volunteer services, public outreach activities, and science popularization lectures. These efforts aim to enhance the expo's scientific rigor, refine the appreciation of mineral crystal culture, highlight the depth of geoscience, and foster long-term progress in mineral, gem, and fossil-related science popularization.
"This expo presents a rare opportunity for exchange and exhibition," he noted. "We will fully showcase the achievements and strengths of Nanjing University’s School of Earth Sciences and Engineering in education, scientific research, and societal services. At the same time, we look forward to in-depth exchanges and collaborations with peers to jointly advance the development of Earth sciences and engineering in China."
For 74 years, Chinese National Geography magazine has adhered to its founding philosophy of "Opening the Door to Nature, Revealing the Essence of Human Culture," pioneering scientific media by blending geography with humanities and harmonizing culture with science. At the launch ceremony, Song Jingru, General Manager of Chinese National Geography Nature Education, explained that this year's expo theme, "Verdant Splendor" draws inspiration from Wang Ximeng's <A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains>.
"Verdant embodies the beauty of minerals, nature, and our homeland," she said. "The mission of Chinese National Geography is precisely to guide people in opening the door to nature—discovering, documenting, sharing, and experiencing beauty in all its forms. The exhibition hall showcases tens of thousands of mineral specimens, each formed under complex, prolonged, and strict conditions that humanity cannot replicate. Thus, every crystal is extraordinary, possessing a unique aesthetic. By co-hosting the 2024 Nanjing Mineral Expo, we are continuing our journey of discovery."
During the expo, Jiangsu Cable Network adopted a high-level, broad-perspective promotional strategy to convey the cultural essence of mineralogy to society. It provided a grand stage for disseminating the scientific, artistic, and cultural values behind minerals, gems, and fossils while advancing geoscience education.
Zhuang Chuanwei, Party Secretary and Chairman of Jiangsu Cable Network, emphasized in his address that as a provincial state-owned cultural enterprise—ranked among China’s "Top 30 Cultural Enterprises" for 15 consecutive years and "China’s 500 Most Valuable Brands" for three years—the company has focused on content-driven innovation. By riding the waves of cultural revival and youth trends, it highlights content with quality, technological sophistication, fashion flair, cultural depth, and international appeal. Leveraging opportunities in sci-tech innovation and cultural renaissance, the company integrates scientific, cultural, artistic, and media creativity to activate "Culture + Technology + X" new quality productive forces.
"We aim to transform the Nanjing Mineral Expo into a globally resonant cultural trade product and exchange initiative," he stated. "By forging a high-value cultural-industrial network, we seek to establish Nanjing’s ‘City of Stone’ as a modern civilization symbol, bolster Jiangsu’s high-standard openness, attract foreign investment, and narrate the story of Jiangsu and China to the world."
The history of humanity's discovery and utilization of minerals resembles a winding river—through the paths of science, the evolution of culture, and the development of art, minerals have consistently played a pivotal role, radiating brilliance and eternal charm, embodying the profound accumulation of time.
At the event, Zhao Shaohua, Honorary President of the China Ornamental Stone Association and former Vice Minister of Culture, officially announced the launch of the second China Nanjing (International) Mineral Gemstone & Fossil Expo, adding another milestone to Nanjing's geological narrative and continuing the new chapter of Jinling's "Tale of the Stone"!
Unlocking "Museum-Quality" Verdant Minerals
Gathering Global Experts, Bringing International Perspectives
"A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains, Only This Verdant Beauty." Centered on the theme of "Verdant Minerals," this year's expo showcases museum-grade treasures like emeralds, tourmalines, and malachites. Among the highlights are the ethereal "King of Pedernera," the world's heaviest known turquoise specimen (373 kg) from Hubei, the largest mounted dinosaur fossil on record, and rare extraterrestrial meteorites.
Bridging the World Through Stones. Beyond domestic exhibitors, the expo has attracted over 200 international participants from the US, Italy, Germany, UK, Russia, India and more. Spanning 40,000 square meters with 50 special exhibition booths and 412 standard booths, the event presents hundreds of thousands of premium exhibits—transforming the venue into a hands-on, world-class natural history museum where minerals, gems and fossils become tangible wonders.
"Visit a City for a Museum." On the opening day, the 2024 International Museum Cultural Exchange Conference was concurrently held. Guided by the principles of "Reform, Innovation, Openness, and Sharing" with the theme "Cross-Border Integration for Cultural Mutual Learning", the conference established a global exchange platform. It aims to advance interdisciplinary collaboration in museums, promote human civilization and scientific spirit, and explore new approaches to enhance public scientific literacy.
From 14:00 to 17:00 on June 1, the Second Nanjing Mineral Expo Auction will take place at Hall C's stage area. This premier event gathers globally sourced mineral crystals, gemstones, fossils, and related products. Against the backdrop of global economic challenges and fluctuations in art collection markets, the auction will serve as a unique platform for collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals to connect and trade. Featuring special "Zero-Yuan Starting Bid" sessions, the event lowers participation barriers to encourage public engagement in the thrill of competitive bidding.
Free Admission & Special Exhibitions
Experience the "Never-Ending Mineral Expo"
Free entry stands as a key feature of this year's event. Visitors simply need to scan a QR code and complete basic information to obtain complimentary tickets for their "mineral exploration journey."
During the expo, the nearly 2,000-square-meter Science Education Zone offers interactive activities including: Rainflower Stone Hunt, Crystal Geode Cracking, Fossil Excavation, Gem Panning
These hands-on experiences are designed to create family-friendly opportunities for exhibition viewing, educational engagement, and traditional craftsmanship preservation while enhancing public scientific literacy.
Additionally, the expo features: New Mineral Discovery Symposium, International Professional Testing Equipment Special Exhibition, Tianyan Museum Collaborative Events
In the Special Exhibition Zone, a dazzling array of innovative displays has blossomed like flowers of every kind, offering visitors an "exquisite feast" of premium exhibits.
As one of the organizing institutions, Chinese National Geography magazine presents its signature exhibition during the event. The exhibition space creatively integrates the magazine's iconic "red frame" design element with its publications and cultural creative products, crafting a distinctive display platform that embodies the brand's unique identity.
Featured Exhibits Section
"Essence of China" VR Experience
Produced under the auspices of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, this groundbreaking VR documentary is China's first national image presentation in virtual reality. Using HTC VIVE premium VR headsets, visitors can instantly transcend time and space to immerse themselves in China's magnificent landscapes through a breathtaking virtual tour.
"Himalayas: A Visual Exploration of Natural and Cultural Landscapes"
This definitive collector's edition presents a comprehensive documentation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's complete natural geography and cultural history, setting new standards in geographical publishing excellence.
Natural History Cultural Creations
Guided by the philosophy of "Harvesting Nature's Wisdom, Curating Earth's Treasures," this innovative product line promotes an enlightened lifestyle of intellectual curiosity and scientific discovery. Their popular "Yuanbao" series and other creative products have gained widespread acclaim for blending aesthetic appeal with educational value.
During the Mineral Expo, Jiangsu Cable Network launched its "Reinvented Broadcasting Services Exhibition," creatively integrating traditional broadcasting services with the expo's treasure hunt theme. The exhibition area featured a spectacular "Treasure Mountain" installation and an interactive holographic 3D portrait replicator that transformed visitors into cartoon characters, provide visitors with opportunities to interact and take photos. By showcasing its "Entertaining, Practical and Playful" broadcasting philosophy, Jiangsu Cable successfully made mineral culture accessible to the general public, allowing more people to appreciate its profound cultural significance. The exhibition also featured the expo's designated water provider - Shuiyunfu Natural Selenium-Strontium Spring Water, presented as a premium "New Chinese Product" exemplifying healthy, high-quality hydration.
Concurrent with the 2024 Nanjing Mineral Expo, Jiangsu Cable Network launched a dedicated "Cloud Treasures" digital exhibition zone across its television platforms and "Vision World" mobile app, creating a "Never-Ending Mineral Expo" experience. Furthermore, the company initiated the 2024 "Mineral Visionaries @ Stone City" Global Ambassador Program, collaborating with domestic and international partners to promote geo-tourism through scientific storytelling. This initiative employs a strategic approach of "Integration + Specialization + Branding + Convergence" to showcase Nanjing's "City of Stone" identity, using innovative products to tell geological stories, creative marketing to attract engagement, and unique experiences to facilitate transactions - ultimately bringing precious geological resources into public eyes and onto the world stage, while expanding the cultural and commercial value of Nanjing's iconic "City of Stone" brand.
"Time remains silent, stones speak volumes." Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the second Nanjing Mineral Expo will resonate globally with its clarion call: "Uniting Mineral Wonders, Scaling New Heights Together."
This grand event transcends being merely an exploration of geological marvels—it establishes an elite, specialized, and multifaceted international platform for mineral trade and cultural exchange. By unveiling the mysteries of minerals, gems, and meteorites to the public while showcasing geoscience’s captivating allure, the expo is poised to ignite a sweeping "Mineral Expo Wave" across all sectors of society!