In Beijing, the traditional yet trendy Garden Expo is captivating visitors with its spectacular “Jingcai Lantern Festival,” where light and shadow become the brush and color to illuminate the night sky, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion. Meanwhile, in Shanxi, ancient architectural marvels such as the Yuxian Wooden Pagoda, Xiaoxitian, and Jinci Temple attract countless tourists, offering a delightful glimpse into the richness of cultural heritage. In Guizhou, vibrant community events like “Village BA,” “Village Super,” and “Village Horse” are creating a lively atmosphere, embodying the dynamic beauty of culture that invigorates the spirit.
President Xi Jinping has emphasized that “promoting high-quality development relies significantly on culture.” Culture not only provides spiritual motivation and intellectual support but also establishes a framework of values and internal drive, cementing its role as a crucial pillar for economic growth and social progress.
Cultural activities draw people in and boost economic vitality. According to the data center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, during the seven-day National Day holiday in 2024, an estimated 765 million domestic trips were made nationwide, resulting in a total expenditure of 700.81 billion yuan from domestic tourists. This marks a rapid increase compared to last year and the same period in 2019, demonstrating the vibrant heat of cultural tourism consumption. It offers people opportunities to experience natural beauty, appreciate cultural richness, and nurture their souls, all while significantly promoting economic recovery.
Culture acts as a spiritual bond that unites people and is a key factor in enhancing the well-being of citizens. From city strolls and visits to cultural and museum sites to immersive experiences in agricultural culture, the demand for cultural tourism is increasingly refined, personalized, and diversified. This trend has led to upgrades in public cultural services and optimized supply and services in the cultural tourism industry. As consumer spending fuels economic growth, there is vast potential and promise in the cultural tourism sector.
Cultural resources generate economic benefits, and cultural empowerment enhances economic value, showing substantial comprehensive benefits for high-quality development. For instance, Gansu’s Tianshui, famously known for its spicy hotpot, welcomed over 31.04 million tourists and achieved a tourism revenue of 17.758 billion yuan in the first half of this year, reflecting year-on-year increases of 42.95% and 43.92%, respectively. This success illustrates how one thriving industry can invigorate others, creating a vivid example of tourism serving not only quality of life but also economic advancement and a sense of community.
The development of cultural initiatives is fundamental to fulfilling the spiritual and cultural needs of the people while safeguarding their cultural rights. Across the country, initiatives to promote cultural benefits are deeply implemented, leading to a continuous emergence of artistic masterpieces and rapid growth in the cultural industry. This helps the public enjoy a richer, more fulfilling, and higher-quality cultural lifestyle. By organizing more healthy, beneficial, and enlightening cultural activities, we can better meet the new expectations of the populace for spiritual and cultural fulfillment, thereby enhancing people’s sense of cultural gain and happiness through high-quality cultural offerings.
With profound cultural heritage, there is ample confidence for development. Actively nurturing a distinct Chinese financial culture injects cultural enrichment into the pursuit of high-quality financial growth. Promoting a spirit of excellence throughout society provides vital support for industry upgrades and drives high-quality development. By embedding cultural depth in modern construction and fostering a positive interaction between culture and economy, we can create new momentum for high-quality development and continuously write new chapters in the story of Chinese-style modernization.
Today’s China is alive with bustling cultural venues, exciting performances, and fresh digital cultural experiences. The nation’s beautiful landscapes and deep heritage are interconnected. By consistently harnessing the power of culture to lead trends, educate the populace, serve society, and drive development, we can uphold and propel the brilliance of Chinese culture, reviving the splendor of Chinese civilization.
