Explainer: Espying the innovative spirit of Chinese civilization

BEIJING -- About two weeks ago, China's Shenzhou XVI manned spaceship was sent into space atop a Long March 2F carrier rocket, marking the first crewed mission after the country completed the construction of its space station.

It was also a moment that served as a reminder of the cultural significance embedded in the names given to the country's space exploration.

From "Shenzhou" and "Beidou" to "Chang'e" and "Zhurong," all these names derive from Chinese mythical figures figuratively related to the universe. They beautifully embody the enduring Chinese pursuit of cosmic exploration, showcasing the vastness and richness of Chinese civilization throughout millennia.

Throughout its rich history, Chinese civilization has continuously evolved and flourished by building upon past achievements while exploring new ground.

"Chinese civilization is exceptionally innovative, which explains why the Chinese nation upholds fine traditions but never arbitrarily sticks to old ways, and respects the fine traditions but never indiscriminately restores old traditions," President Xi Jinping said in his speech at a meeting on cultural inheritance and development earlier this month. "This is also why the Chinese nation is fearless of new challenges and is always open to new things."

Chinese civilization could maintain vitality over more than 5,000 years of vicissitudes because of its abiding commitment to keeping pace with the times through reform and innovation based on the fine traditional Chinese culture.

For instance, classical Chinese paintings showcased in "A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings," a compilation of extant Chinese paintings classified as national treasures that had passed on for millennia, have been revitalized with the help of digital technologies and other innovative ways.

Thanks to cutting-edge digital tech, audiences can indulge in a truly immersive experience, exploring over 10,000 exquisite pieces of artwork. They also have the unique opportunity to discover the bustling array of small shops depicted in the masterpiece "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival," an iconic artwork from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) that has been intricately incorporated into this extraordinary project.

In 2017, a guideline was issued by the general offices of both the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on implementing a project to carry forward and develop the fine traditional Chinese culture. Meanwhile, concerted efforts have been made to build a series of national cultural parks involving landmark destinations embodying Chinese culture, such as the Great Wall, the Grand Canal, the Yellow River and the Yangtze River.

However, when it comes to preserving and passing down traditional treasures, the Chinese people have always been innovative, breaking away from conventional approaches and refraining from rigid adherence to outdated rulebooks.

"We must dare to say what has never been said and do what has never been done," Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, once said, emphasizing the need to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground.

In the spirit of championing innovation, the Chinese civilization, with a millennia-long history, is still brimming with vigor and vitality today, and the Chinese have been relentlessly pursuing their dreams and embracing new things for over 5,000 years.

Chinese people's perseverance in chasing dreams can be seen everywhere, from the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan's verse lines of "Long as the way is, I will keep on searching high and low" to ancient Chinese mythologies, such as Pangu creating the world, Shennong tasting herbs and Kuafu chasing the sun.

The spirit of innovation is in the blood of the Chinese people and has shaped China into what it is today.

Take the construction of the Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province for instance. Connected by an intercity railway, Beijing, the historic capital, and Xiong'an, the city of the future, are closely integrated, bringing about fresh vitality to the coordinated development of the surrounding region.

During their long history, the Chinese people, with indomitable will and resolve, have forged a path of their own for human advancement.