Suzhou, a picturesque city in east China’s Jiangsu Province, is harnessing its rich cultural heritage to enhance its comprehensive strength and drive modernization. Celebrating its 75th year of modernization, Suzhou is blending traditional culture with modern development, creating a unique path that intertwines economic growth with cultural preservation.
CGTN reporter Hou Jing recently visited Suzhou to delve deeper into this cultural renaissance. The city has gained widespread online popularity by integrating its characteristic classical gardens with modern architecture. Visitors and residents alike are captivated by the harmonious blend of ancient aesthetics and contemporary design.
Moreover, Suzhou is revitalizing traditional art forms such as the Wu language and Kunqu opera. By inheriting and innovating these cultural treasures, the city is ensuring that its intangible heritage continues to thrive in the modern era. Kunqu opera performances are now being adapted to appeal to younger audiences, bringing new life to this millennia-old art form.
The city’s commitment to cultural preservation extends to its famed handicrafts. Suzhou’s artisans are transforming age-old crafts into “specialized and innovative” enterprises. These businesses not only preserve traditional techniques but also infuse them with modern creativity, opening new markets and driving economic development.
Through these efforts, Suzhou is demonstrating how cultural soft power can be a solid principle for achieving economic development. By valuing its cultural assets and integrating them into its modernization journey, the city serves as a model for how heritage can fuel progress, offering insights for other regions looking to balance tradition with innovation.
Reference(s):
Suzhou: Harnessing cultural assets to enhance comprehensive strength
cgtn.com
