Nation takes huge strides on cultural stage(3)

Viral footage

In May, construction worker Yi Qunlin, 57, became the first person to perform in the new concert hall at the Cultural and Art Center in Guangming district, Shenzhen, a venue he helped build.

Video footage of Yi, clad in a helmet and reflective vest, playing a public piano in Huaqiangbei, one of the world's largest electronics markets, went viral online, quickly trending on Sina Weibo and X, formerly known as Twitter.

In less than a month, the footage had been viewed at least four million times worldwide, with attention focusing not only on Yi, but also on the determination of the Shenzhen authorities for the city to embrace a culture characterized by "openness and inclusiveness".

Asked why the footage proved so popular, Ye Xiaogang, chairman of the China Musicians Association, said: "Music transcends borders. It is a form of spiritual and auditory art uniquely equipped to resonate with people.

"From grassroots artistic endeavors to community-driven initiatives, music can be understood by everyone, and Shenzhen's cultural sphere thrives on the collective spirit of its people, establishing the city as a true cultural melting pot for all."

In embracing Shenzhen's vibrant cultural atmosphere, Ye took on the role of directing the organizing committee for the Belt and Road International Music Festival in Shenzhen.

He said his commitment stems not only from his musical background, but also from a genuine appreciation of the city's unique cultural landscape, which has strengthened Ye's dedication to fostering a harmonious convergence of global artistic expression in Shenzhen.

During the six-week festival, which opened in September, more than 30 artists and groups from 39 countries and regions performed in Shenzhen. They included Chinese American violinist Cho-Liang Lin, Argentinian bandoneonist (a type of concertina) player Walter Rios, talented French trumpeter Lucienne Renaudin Vary, the New York Metropolitan Opera House's baritone Yunpeng Wang, and Chinese vocalist Lei Jia.

Ye said: "A nation or a people cannot be strong or prosperous without a thriving culture. Likewise, we cannot achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation without a vigorous socialist culture."

In the spirit of "each appreciating the best of others, and all appreciating the best together", he believes that contacts between different cultures lead to exchanges, mutual learning and development.

"As a result, we have never stopped such contacts, and we have learned and absorbed from the best of other nations and peoples," Ye said.

In recent years, as evidence of Chinese culture's enhanced soft power, a cultural renaissance has unfolded, marked by a wave of artistic expression and a proliferation of sophisticated platforms for cultural dissemination.

A diverse range of activities and products now cater to the public's ever-expanding tastes, and the cultural landscape has become a powerful force, enhancing China's soft power and global influence.

The nation is a front-runner globally in the production of television shows and books.

Ministry of Commerce data showed that in 2021, the import and export volume of China's cultural products reached $155.8 billion, a year-on-year rise of 43.4 percent. The value of the nation's cultural services rose by 24.3 percent to $44.22 billion, with the US, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Japan as the main destinations for its online games and e-sports products.

China handed its movie box office crown back to North America last year after retaining its position as the world's largest film market in 2020 and 2021.However, in November, China saw box office revenue of 50 billion yuan ($6.97 billion), signaling a remarkable recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ye said: "A country's essence and character are deeply embedded in its cultural fabric. In the past seven decades, we have cultivated a dynamic socialist culture that resonates strongly on the global stage.

"Through our artistic endeavors, we have narrated the stories of our monumental struggles and expressed our optimism for national rejuvenation. As we continue this journey, we anticipate further remarkable cultural achievements that not only resolve our internal issues, but also address the broader challenges faced by humanity."