In China's optical landscape, Changchun occupies a pivotal place. Once a major industrial hub in northeast China, known nationwide as the "City of Automobile" and the "City of Film," Changchun also earned its early glory through optics, and is now advancing toward a brighter future in this field.

 

From foundational optical research to industrial takeoff, from a source of scientific innovation to the rise of industrial clusters, and from the first Changchun International Optoelectronic Expo 2024 (CCIOE) to the comprehensive upgrade of the second CCIOE, Changchun has leveraged its rich historical root, strong R&D capabilities, mature industrial ecosystem, and growing influence of the expo, and forged a path of revitalization driven by innovation and integrated development of the optoelectronic information industry. Robust and distinctive, "China's Optoelectronics City" is now rising rapidly on the land of northeast China.

Passing the Torch: Leaving an Indelible Mark as the Cradle of China's Optics

Changchun is the undisputed cradle of China's optics, where the roots and soul of the nation's optical endeavor are deeply embedded.

In the mid-20th century, the older generation of scientists, represented by the late Academician Wang Daheng, honored as the "Father of Optics in China," founded the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CIOMP). As the nation's first research institute in this field, it laid the cornerstone of the optics cause. Over more than half a century, CIOMP has trained over 2,000 key professionals, scattered like seeds across the country, making Changchun the fountainhead of China's optical talents.

From the first optical theodolite, the first laser, and the first optical payload of satellite, to major national projects such as the "Two Bombs and One Satellite" program, China Manned Space Programs, Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, and the Mars Exploration mission, Changchun's optical expertise has been deeply involved and performed extraordinary feats. The research teams from Changchun also played a key role in developing major national projects, including the extreme ultraviolet camera for Chang'e-3 lunar mission, the high-resolution image camera for Tianwen-1 Mars mission, and the full-ocean-depth low-light ultra-high-definition imaging system.

Changchun is also home to Changchun University of Science and Technology, the only university in China specializing in optoelectronics, along with over 50 other universities and institutes such as Jilin University and Northeast Normal University. An expert committee of 29 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), together with eight National Key Laboratories has pooled top-tier talents and core technologies for China's optoelectronic industry.

Designated a national optoelectronics industry base in 2004, Changchun has, after decades of accumulation, established five key fields: "chip, laser, satellite, vehicle, and network." It has built a complete industrial chain of optoelectronics spanning from basic research and technological breakthroughs to product manufacturing and market application. Today, Changchun stands as a national hub for the optoelectronic information industry with the strongest R&D capabilities, the most innovative achievements, and the greatest development potential.

Deep historical roots, top-tier research platforms, a complete talent pipeline, and a solid industrial foundation give Changchun irreplaceable advantages in building itself into an "Optoelectronics City." These strengths have also set the stage for the success of the Changchun International Optoelectronic Expo and Changchun's industrial take-off.

Chasing the Light and Setting Sail: The First Changchun International Optoelectronic Expo 2024 kicks off a Premier Industrial Event

In 2024, the first CCIOE was a huge success, marking the transition of Changchun's optoelectronic industry from an "R&D hub" to an "industrial and opening-up highland," and injecting strong momentum into the "Optoelectronics City."

Themed "A Bright Future Led by Optoelectronics," the 2024 CCIOE leveraged the strengths of Changchun to serve the nation and benefit the international community, with its scale, level, and influence hitting new heights among optoelectronics expositions in northeast China. Over a hundred leading enterprises such as BOE, Philips, Sunny Optical, Hikvision, Han's Laser, FAW, CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, and Chang Guang Satellite gathered together; SMEs that use specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products and listed companies in Changchun have created a spectacular scene in the optoelectronic industry.

At the expo, a large number of high-end, sophisticated and cutting-edge products made a collective appearance, including green Ultra HD flip-chip COB displays, laser engravers, 3D-printed aluminum alloy shoe molds, and integrated lightweight spatio-temporal-spectral data acquisition instrument. Universities and research institutes such as the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xidian University, and Ji Hua Laboratory showcased their latest scientific research outcomes, while local enterprises such as Cedar Electronics, OLED Material Tech, and Jilin Yongli Laser demonstrated the strength of "Intelligent Manufacturing in Changchun," igniting a wave of excitement among visitors.

The first CCIOE adhered to attracting investment, expanding business, pooling professionals, and building brands through the expo, and pragmatically advanced the deep integration of industry, university, and research. During the expo, nearly 100 key projects were signed in a batch, covering the entire optoelectronic information industrial chain. The Light Conference and academic seminars in the optoelectronics field were held simultaneously, bringing together academicians, international guests, and national high-level personnel, unveiling results at the forefront of global science and technology, and propelling a batch of cutting-edge technologies from the "bookshelf" to the "store shelf."

With considerate and thoughtful expo services as well as precise and efficient industrial matchmaking, numerous non-local exhibitors spoke highly of the expo, and many enterprises confirmed on the spot to attend the expo next year. The first CCIOE not only comprehensively demonstrated the strength of Changchun's optoelectronic industry, but also successfully built a top-tier platform for international exchange, industrial cooperation, technology transfer and commercialization, and talent attraction and development, making the brand of "Optoelectronics City" an instant hit and laying a solid foundation for the building of the "China Optoelectronics City."

Gathering Light into a Torch: The Second CCIOE Reaches a Comprehensive Leap Forward in 2025

In 2025, the second CCIOE · Light Conference was held successfully, achieving an all-around upgrade in exhibition scale, professional levels, international influence, and comprehensive services. The international recognition and industrial appeal of "China's Optoelectronics City" reached new heights.

The number of exhibitors at the 2025 CCIOE reached a new record. Leading enterprises, Fortune Global 500 companies, China's Top 500 enterprises and listed companies all attended the event, along with international giants such as Carl Zeiss, Ocean Optics, and Trioptics. More than ten domestic leading optoelectronic industry hubs, including Chengdu, Suzhou, and Nanjing, participated in the expo as delegations, continuously expanding the expo's global partnership network.

The 2025 CCIOE pioneered a new coordinated model of "One Exhibition, Two Conferences": the Light Conference was held jointly with the CCIOE for the first time, attracting nearly 1,000 experts from 26 countries; meanwhile, the Chinese Optical Society Changchun Academic Conference was held concurrently at the same venue for the first time, drawing more than 2,000 scholars to in-depth discussions. A series of high-level conferences and events were held intensively, fostering deep integration between academia and industry and forming a virtuous cycle of "forming a positive interplay between industry and research."

Local enterprises took the lead with an impressive showcase of six major industrial clusters: semiconductors and high-end manufacturing, satellite technology and low-altitude economy, optoelectronic materials and displays, optoelectronic sensing and instruments, laser technology and applications, and automotive electronics, fully demonstrating the strong capabilities of "Intelligent manufacturing in Changchun." Industry-leading products such as Jilin-1 satellite constellation from Chang Guang Satellite Technology, Micro LED displays from Cedar Electronics, OLED materials from Jilin OLED Material Tech, and high-power products from Jilin Yongli Laser Technology, led the industry, and a host of local enterprises achieved technological breakthroughs and expanded into overseas markets, showing the strong momentum of optoelectronic products going global.

Concurrent with the expo, the "Changchun Optoelectronic Information Industry Development White Paper (2025)" was released, outlining a strategy supported by the six major industrial clusters and driven by the "Double Thousand" development targets, and advancing the integration of innovation, industrial, capital, and talent chains while accelerating the development of the "China's Optoelectronics City." The second CCIOE, operating to higher standards, with a broader vision, and achieving tangible results, has elevated Changchun's optoelectronic industry to the national and global stage. The vision of the "China's Optoelectronics City" is now taking clearer shape with stronger momentum.

Marching into the Light: The Third CCIOE Will Embark on a New Journey

Building on the success of the first two events, the third CCIOE, themed "China's Optoelectronics City, Innovation for Winning the Future," is soon to arrive as scheduled.

At a new starting point, it will continue to uphold the high-standard, international, and professional positioning, further expand the exhibition scale, enhance its international influence, and continue to amplify the synergistic effect of "One Exhibition, Two Conferences," bringing together in Changchun more global leading companies, top-tier research institutions, academicians and experts, as well as partners across upstream and downstream enterprises along industrial chains.

The expo will focus on six major industrial clusters: semiconductors, laser applications, satellites and the low-altitude economy, optoelectronic displays, sensing instruments, and automotive electronics. It will showcase a wider range of cutting-edge technologies, innovative products, and systematic solutions, with the goal of establishing itself as a global bellwether event for the optoelectronic information industry.

Leveraging the brand effect and partnership resources built over the first two editions, the third CCIOE will achieve even greater breakthroughs in investment promotion, technology transfer, talent introduction and cultivation, and international cooperation. It will facilitate the local application and commercialization of more scientific and technological achievements in Changchun, promote the signing and launch of more high-quality projects, and attract more high-caliber talents to settle down and invigorate the industry in the city, further consolidating Changchun's leading position in China's optoelectronic industry. According to the industry development plan, Changchun's optoelectronic information industry will move to a higher level by 2026, advancing the construction of the "China's Optoelectronics City," accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces, and steadily progressing toward a world-class optoelectronic information industry cluster.

From the cradle of optics to an industrial hub, from the successful launch of the first expo to the leap forward of the second, and now looking ahead to a brand new chapter in 2026, Changchun has taken optoelectronics as its catalyst, its inspiration, and its engine for urban development, turning its scientific research advantages into industrial, economic, and developmental strengths.

One beam of light illuminates an entire city; one community of people forges ahead on one path. Going forward, Changchun will continue to deepen its commitment to the optoelectronic information industry, host the CCIOE with excellence, and keep burnishing the golden brand of the "China's Optoelectronics City." On its march toward the revitalization of northeast China and building China into a sci-tech powerhouse, Changchun will open a new and more brilliant chapter in its "light-chasing" journey.

Source: Changchun Daily Convergence Media  Editor: Liu Jiadi