Changsha aims to be a global cultural and creative center

Clockwise from top left: The Changsha Xiangjiang Happy City is a popular tourist attraction in Changsha, Hunan province. The picturesque view of Changsha. Creative fireworks incorporate art elements such as digital lighting and music. Photo by CHINA DAILY

Changsha in Hunan province is aiming to become an international cultural and creative center through its profound history, diversity and advantages in art industries, local officials said.

One of the first groups of historical and cultural cities recognized by the State Council, Changsha is known as the cradle for the Chu, major contending powers in the latter years of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).

Its long and prosperous history is shown in the Four Sheep Fangzun unearthed in Ningxiang, which is the largest of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) bronze Fangzun extant in China. It was also a key transport hub along the ancient Silk Road.

Today's Changsha has established friendships with 50 cities in 29 countries and regions and strived to stimulate cultural resonance in communication by holding more than 1,000 international activities such as the China (Changsha) International Sculpture Culture and Art Festival, the Meixi Lake International Culture and Art Week and the China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival.

In November 2017, Changsha joined the Creative Cities Network, a cultural project launched by UNESCO in 2004, and was awarded as a Media Art Metropolis.

Through the recognition and exchange of member cities' experience in promoting local cultural development, Changsha has achieved its goal to advocate and maintain cultural diversity in a globalized environment.

Joining the network helps Changsha build a world cultural and creative center while also enhancing the city's international image and brand, and promotes the internationalization of urban culture. Changsha greatly values the development of cultural and creative industries, said Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Beijing Cluster office.

"Changsha's media arts are cross-disciplinary and inclusive. While protecting the excellent local cultural heritage, they have also become an important force in promoting the organic renewal of the urban landscape.

"UNESCO is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Changsha, provide intellectual support and work guidance to help Changsha build an international cultural and creative center and join hands with the youth of the world to promote the city of Changsha," he added.

Creativity has given new meaning and values to the city's culture, and the use of the latest technologies has brought new brilliance to media arts. Art forms such as video, fireworks and light powered by the digital technology illuminate Changsha and promote the development of the cultural and creative industry.

Fireworks are a representative element of Chinese culture, and have now become a universal cultural symbol and a common emotional expression across the world. The firework manufacturing industry is Changsha's traditional advantageous industry.

Creative fireworks incorporate art elements such as digital lighting, music and visual design to create refreshing products.

Changsha has promoted the deep integration of the fireworks industry and media arts while also enhancing the added value of the industry through cultural creativity. Fireworks from Changsha bloomed in many major domestic and foreign events.