Pure poetry that has China achatter

A poem recital group. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Role of TV

Over the past few years other CCTV programs dedicated to traditional culture, such as Rendezvous With Chinese Riddles and Rendezvous With Chinese Sayings, have also had huge viewer appeal, and it seems that one result is that more Chinese are paying greater attention to traditional culture.

In addition to the debate about education, the popularity of such programs has fueled a debate about how traditional Chinese culture such as classic poetry should be further promoted.

Pu Cunxin, an actor who is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, sees TV as a valuable way of enhancing the image of art forms such as classic poetry.

The public has tremendous cultural needs, he says, and TV stations have a lot to gain, and they should do more to influence more people, Pu said during this year's CPPCC session in March.

However, Feng Jicai, an author and scholar, while agreeing that TV programs can arouse interest in poetry among young Chinese in particular, says more innovative measures are needed to pass on traditional culture.

The influence that TV has can be exaggerated, he says.

"Popular cultural TV shows won't work for all," Feng said at the CPPCC session.

"They can get people interested in ancient Chinese poetry to a certain extent. But don't expect too much from a bit of TV. Culture influences people mainly through the sway it has on their souls and temperaments, and you can't have that impact just by making a few hit TV shows."