A visitor experiences a flight simulator at the 2026 China Culture and Tourism Industries Expo in Tianjin on Thursday. The four-day expo features 10 exhibition zones showcasing new business models and immersive experiences in the cultural and tourism industries. TONG YU/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

　　Tianjin is looking beyond its familiar skyline and historic architecture to wetlands, rural experiences and traditional craftsmanship as the northern port city seeks to attract more international visitors.

　　The effort is on display at the 2026 China Culture and Tourism Industries Expo, which opened in Tianjin on Thursday, bringing together 2,540 enterprises from 20 countries and regions including Ethiopia, Vietnam and Cote d"Ivoire.