China Pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

The Jiaolong, China's first manned deep-sea research submersible, is currently featured at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, which is scheduled to continue until Oct 13.

This "deep-sea behemoth" capable of descending to depths of 7 kilometers serves to illustrate the advancements in China's marine technology and provides global audiences with an engaging exploration of the dazzling deep-sea adventure.

Upon entering the experience cabin, one is immediately struck by the advanced technology on display. High-definition panoramic screens envelop the space, immersing participants in an underwater environment. Vivid coral reefs sway in the ocean currents of the shallow sea area while schools of bioluminescent fish navigate among them. As the journey progresses into the dark abyss of deep-sea hydrothermal vents, viewers are introduced to distinct communities of tube worms, blind shrimp, and other extremophiles. The integration of simulated deep-sea sound effects and vibrations enhances the realism of the experience, creating a compelling facsimile of an underwater exploration.

Cabin of Jiaolong at the 2025 World Exposition. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

The most extraordinary is the radar interactive wall inspired by Hai Cuo Tu, a work on marine life that dates back three centuries. As you approach it, gesture recognition and radar sensing technology are triggered, bringing various ancient marine creatures to "life", presenting detailed information and dynamic displays, and offering an immersive experience of ancient Chinese people's poetic fantasies about the ocean.

It took 10 years to develop, manufacture, and conduct sea trials of the 7-kilometer manned operational submersible, making China the fifth country after the United States, France, Russia, and Japan to possess deep-sea manned diving capabilities. Jiaolong has conducted over 340 diving missions in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, carrying out deep-sea scientific tasks with over 200 scientists from China and abroad.

On May 21, as part of the "Jiangsu Week" at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, Wuxi will make the first appearance at the World Expo under the banner of a City Day. A cross-border economic, trade, and cultural dialogue is set to begin, featuring intangible cultural heritage performances, city promotions, and other activities to showcase the charm of Wuxi and promote exchanges and cooperation with countries around the world.