The recent National Day holiday has spotlighted the term “culture + tourism” as a key driver for various attractions across the country. Red tourism, visits to ancient towns, and museum outings have all surged in popularity. Historical cultural districts, intangible cultural heritage performances, and innovative cultural experiences are emerging regularly, each showcasing the modern allure of Chinese culture in unique ways. This trend isn’t new; it has deep roots and is palpable in many aspects of daily life. It draws from the past, rich in history and tradition, while closely connecting to contemporary times.
One prominent goal is to “bring to life the cultural relics housed in museums, the heritage displayed across vast lands, and the ancient texts written in old books.”
Vibrant culture may manifest differently for each individual; it could be a historic cultural district, a well-preserved village, a stunning intangible heritage performance, or an elegant traditional gown. Over the past few years, significant progresses have been made in projects like the Chinese Civilization Exploration and Archaeology China, focusing on the overall protection and dynamic inheritance of historical cultural districts and villages. To date, around 139,000 ancient texts and special collection documents have been released as digital resources. This ongoing quest for the “codes” of civilization clarifies the threads of Chinese culture, guiding its legacy and development. The popularity of poetry, the rising interest in cultural museums, and the innovation in cultural products have all flourished. More and more people are curating their own “home museums” using cultural creative products, adorning themselves in designs inspired by classic styles from places like Mogao Caves and Sanxingdui, thus embracing the essence of national trends in fashion. The enthusiasm for traditional culture remains high as it weaves into daily life, enriching personal experiences.
“Our ancestral culture, a treasure passed down through generations, must be held close, modernized, and celebrated.”
Since last year, the small city of Jingdezhen has suddenly gained attention, drawing roughly 60,000 individuals, known as “Jing Drift,” who flock here to “play with clay.” They are not just seeking a relaxed lifestyle but are also exploring new entrepreneurial paths. Jingdezhen’s artistic vibe has captured the spotlight on various platforms, showcasing the limitless creativity of artisans and the vast potential of ceramics. Similarly, in Caoxian, with a mature garment-making industry, the surge of traditional Chinese cultural trends and the rise of e-commerce have transformed the local market, paving the way for the flourishing “Hanfu economy.” Today, over 2,000 Hanfu businesses and 14,700 online stores operate, employing nearly 100,000 people. These traditional crafts passed down by ancestors are like treasures waiting to be reimagined into something extraordinary.
“Artistic expression is the clarion call of the times, reflecting and shaping the aesthetic spirit of an era.”
In recent years, a colorful range of Chinese stories have emerged in various art forms, incorporating a plethora of contemporary elements. The Yue opera adaptation of “New Dragon Gate Inn” has captivated audiences from the 90s and 00s; dance dramas like “Dream of the Red Chamber” and “Only This Green” continue to attract attention; and the standalone game “Black Myth: Wukong” has taken cultural confidence to the international stage, combining alluring historical sites with Eastern philosophy.
At every major film release period, domestic films consistently top the box office, with popular hits emerging each season. This year’s National Day box office reached 2.1 billion yuan, with domestic films accounting for approximately 95.87% of the total, at 2 billion yuan. Homegrown creators are shifting away from merely catering to Western perceptions of “Oriental elements,” focusing instead on producing works that genuinely reflect the contemporary spirit of China. Films like “The Volunteer Army 2” resonate with national and ethnic responsibility, while “The Wandering Earth,” cloaked in a sci-fi narrative, still embodies the spirit of resilience. The emotional connections and resonance these works foster with audiences are what give domestic productions their unique competitive edge, uniting us in our collective advancement.
“Chinese-style modernization cannot be separated from the inheritance and promotion of outstanding traditional culture.” Today’s Chinese culture is both trendy and stylish, seamlessly blending with the zeitgeist, embracing cutting-edge technology and art, and radiating renewed vitality. It permeates every corner of life, nourishing the spirit of the Chinese people.
