Forum explores ways to promote Chinese culture to the world

A forum on international communication of Chinese culture was held at Beijing Language and Culture University on Dec 10.

With eight thematic discussions in the morning and one main forum in the afternoon, topics such as cultural communication in drama, poetry, editions, academic research, science and technology, were discussed. Experts and scholars from different fields discussed how to promote cultural communication in their respective domains. In the evening, an exciting performance featuring traditional Chinese opera artists, including over 10 Plum Blossom Award winners, staged excerpts from traditional Chinese opera pieces.

Since its establishment in 2022, the forum has received strong support from leaders and institutions. It has played an increasingly important role in bringing together multiple forces to jointly promote the international dissemination of Chinese culture, said Du Zhanyuan, the president of China International Communications Group, co-organizer of the forum.

This year's forum, with the theme "Openness, Integration, Innovation: Promoting Chinese Culture to the World", holds significant importance, noted Shi Zhanjun, Party group member and secretary of the secretariat of the China Writers Association, one of the key speakers.

Shi also shared that in July, China Writers Association held the first "International Youth Poetry Festival: Special Session for BRICS Countries". Over 70 poets from the 10 BRICS countries gathered in Hangzhou and Beijing for academic dialogues and poetry readings, and collectively composed a poem to enhance mutual understanding and respect among poets from different nations.

China Writers Association has also launched projects which have facilitated the signing of more than 100 copyright agreements with overseas publishers for over 30 works. These works span 26 languages and were collectively showcased at international book fairs.

"We have funded the translation and publication of contemporary Chinese literature in languages such as Polish, Spanish, and Nepali, covering over 100 Chinese authors, and held new book launch events to promote these works abroad," Shi said.

According to Chen Yongquan, who is the vice-president of the China Theater Association and also a key speaker during the forum, said that over the years, a number of traditional Chinese operas such as The Orphan of Zhao, The Peony Pavilion and The Butterfly Lovers have participated in the global dissemination of Chinese culture. These performances have received praise from audiences worldwide.

"Looking ahead to 2025, we plan to launch the Great Beauty of Chinese Opera overseas tour, selecting the best traditional Chinese opera troupes for international festivals, showcasing Chinese opera to global audiences," said Chen.

Zhu Hongwen, deputy director of the Palace Museum, also shared some of their specific practices with a goal to build cultural exchange.

One of the key initiatives is the Taihe Scholar Program, a global recruitment program for scholars from all over the world to conduct research at the Palace Museum.

"We hope that we can foster cross-cultural dialogue and promote international collaboration in cultural research. Scholars selected for the program will receive full funding for their stay and research in China, while we also support our experts and scholars in engaging with international academic communities," Zhu said.

Furthermore, the Palace Museum's digital collection has expanded significantly, with a high-definition online archive now offering free access to over 100,000 items.

"As the Palace Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, we will continue to increase this collection and further promote global access to China's rich cultural heritage," Zhu added.