Beijing hits road to becoming international consumption hub(3)

Added significance

The central government has announced that five cities－Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing and Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, will become international consumption hubs.

Gu Xueming, president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, said, "Building an international consumption hub should strengthen Chinese cultural confidence, which can showcase consumers' trust and acknowledgment of products made and created in China."

He said the five cities should pursue industrial development on a number of fronts, adding that only if industries such as commerce, tourism, culture, sports and exhibitions grow well will the cities have a larger impact as international consumption hubs.

Gu said it is important to use digital technology and to maintain a green and sustainable consumption concept.

Charming city

Li Li, a white-collar worker in Beijing, likes to spend weekends reading in bookstores, watching a movie and visiting a museum with friends.

"I think Beijing has its charm, not because of its modern buildings and facilities, but due to its unique history and tradition," she said.

"I have been to the Forbidden City many times, but I still want to go there, because every time it gives me a new feeling. This is why I also like to go to cultural venues to enjoy literature and art."

On Oct 15, the capital launched a weeklong event, "Artistic Beijing", with the organizers staging 69 art exhibitions and auctions. A total of more than 60 art galleries and auctions are open for the public to experience the city.

Li said she would probably spend a lot of money during the event.

Wang Haiwen, assistant dean at Beijing International Studies University's School of Economics, said during a forum that with its high-quality consumption structure, Beijing should lead the way in producing a higher level of cultural products.

"Meanwhile, the city should consider how to stimulate foreign consumers' interest in spending on local culture," he added.