There is no doubt that Xiamen Stone Fair is now China's main stone exhibition, but China is a big country and the North wants to establish its own stone exhibition, being run by the Chinese stone processing machinery organisation.

China North International Stone Fair (6-19 July at Qingdao International Expo Center) represents a different market to Xiamen. Qingdao is in the North and Xiamen the South. Qingdao is a similar city to Xiamen and growing fast. It has an international port based on strong stone groups. Qingdao has the entire Shandong, Hebei, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and especially the Shandong markets. Although the main stone products here are granite, with the development of the market more marble products are being imported and that can only increase in the future. Besides, the new build Wulian and Pingyi Stone Industry Park is now accelerating the development. The two industry parks have brought in many marble processing machines and materials. Most of these groups import stone products from Qingdao port. And, just like Xiamen, there are many trade companies in Qingdao to help with importing marbles.

In Qingdao this year eight important national giant projects will get under way with about RMB60billion invested. They include an airport, financial centre, movie capital and some technical parks. All will bring a high demand for natural stone.