The inaugural CPTE 2026 Cantonese Culture Expo (Cantonese Proficiency Test Expo 2026) will open on 6/14 at the Health Ark Conference Center, Halls A & B, in Liwan District, Guangzhou. This is the first Cantonese culture industry exhibition across the Greater Bay Area, organized by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cultural Exchange Association and guided by the United Front Work Department of the Liwan District People's Government. The event aims to bring together industries, media creators, professional institutions, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to preserving Cantonese culture, creating a dedicated platform for its inheritance and exchange. Together, we unite global Cantonese cultural forces to safeguard and continue the living heritage of Guangfu culture.
Cantonese serves as the living vessel of Cantonese culture, acting as a spiritual bond connecting Greater Bay Area residents and Chinese communities worldwide while carrying rich emotional and cultural memories. The 2026 Guangzhou Government Work Report explicitly called for preserving Cantonese culture, releasing policy benefits to support its inheritance and related industries, and providing a key opportunity for systematic preservation and innovative promotion. This Expo centers on "Gathering Global Cantonese Cultural Forces to Protect Living Heritage," focusing on the core mission of heritage preservation by integrating diverse resources to ensure Cantonese culture continues to thrive across generations.
The exhibition area is centered on the preservation of Cantonese culture, featuring an education zone, Greater Bay Area admissions guidance, an entertainment zone, and a "Friends' Culture Market" for cultural and creative products. It showcases heritage achievements and projects from key stakeholders—including Cantonese education institutions, cultural and creative enterprises, and film and media organizations across the Greater Bay Area. All national CPT (Cantonese Proficiency Test) examination centers will gather here, representing institutions in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, and other mainland cities. The event also welcomes Cantonese content creators and cultural promotion groups, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for Cantonese cultural preservation.
The event featured engaging highlights and immersive interactive experiences, driving the widespread adoption and preservation of Cantonese culture. Highlights included a replica of the "Lizhiwan Cantonese Culture Corridor," interactive Cantonese vocabulary card stations, and the scan-to-play game "Xiang Dian Jiu Dian" (Point as You Wish), allowing visitors to fully experience authentic Lingnan charm and the depth of Cantonese heritage. The CPTQ Cantonese Rapid Assessment focused on daily life scenarios, helping beginners quickly evaluate their listening, speaking, and reading skills while lowering the barrier to learning and passing on Cantonese. Renowned global Cantonese scholars will attend the forum to discuss pathways for cultural preservation and future trends. Additionally, Cantonese ambassadors, celebrity influencers, and grassroots advocates will join the event to lead engaging activities and amplify the impact of Cantonese cultural inheritance.
Additionally, the Expo will host parallel events such as exchanges among Cantonese hometown associations and recruitment for study tours. Cantonese study groups from across the country will gather in Guangzhou to experience the charm and daily life of Greater Bay Area culture, fostering a sense of cultural heritage among youth. The event also provides a face-to-face platform for Cantonese enthusiasts, promoters, and heritage organizations to share experiences, coordinate resources, and strengthen collective efforts in preserving Cantonese culture.
This year's expo is open to the public free of charge. The organizers state that the event serves not only as a showcase for Cantonese culture but also as a vital platform where enthusiasts can explore their roots, exchange ideas, and collaborate. It brings together heritage institutions, media creators, and related industries to jointly advance the cause. Its core mission is to promote the living inheritance and widespread dissemination of Cantonese culture. In the future, we will continue to leverage Greater Bay Area resources, integrate diverse preservation efforts, and bring "friends" together in Liwan. Through Cantonese, we aim to carry forward the cultural heritage of Guangfu and tell compelling stories of the Greater Bay Area.