Now in its fourth year, the Splendor of China, a trade show and cultural festival, has a big future.

"Our long-term goal is to try to build this into an international trade show," said event organizer Ted Li, to stimulate the local economy and promote cultural exchange, among other things.

This year, organizers expect up to 15,000 people to attend the event, which features more than 100 food, product, demonstration and display booths.

The event also kicks off the 58th Narcissus Festival with a special appearance by the reigning Narcissus Queen, Kristi Sue-Ako, and her court; contestants for the 2007 Narcissus Queen Pageant will be introduced to the public for the first time.

"For the (Hawai'i) visitors as well as the locals, it is a good opportunity to shop, taste, participate, learn and experience the modern Chinese culture right here in (Honolulu)," said Li.

Originally called the Taste of China, the fourth annual event offers more than Chinese cuisine — although favorites from crack seed to dim sum will be in abundance.

Event goers can treat themselves to an array of products, including antiques, fashion, jewelry, souvenirs, gifts, crafts and fresh produce. Commercial vendors will also be on hand from major Hawai'i industries to offer services with banking, real estate, mortgage brokerage, travel, computers and communications.

If shopping or networking isn't part of your plan, there will be lots of things to watch and hear, including acrobatic lion dances, Chinese folk dances, a manapua-eating contest, Chinese opera singers, a mahjong exhibition, a feng shui lecture and kung fu and tai chi demonstrations.

In addition, there will be special activities for the entire family: keiki corner, Chinese dog show, cooking demonstration, acupuncture, paper cutting and more. Chinese cultural displays include exhibitions by all major Chinese societies and associations.

The Splendor of China is sponsored by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i with the support of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, and the city.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.