From the Silk Road to global screens, Chinese culture has long shaped the world, blending ancient traditions with modern expression. This conference organised by the Global Institute For Tomorrow will explore how China’s cultural renaissance is perceived at home and abroad, and its impact on global engagement.
The global success of Black Myth: Wukong, a Chinese video game based on an iconic 16th-century Chinese classic novel, was met with near-universal approbation. Its widespread appeal stems in part from a masterful blend of traditional Chinese culture and mythology. However, this is far from Chinese culture’s first journey to the West (and to the wider world).
Tracing back to the ancient Silk Road, Chinese culture’s worldwide influence as part of a millennia-old tradition is often overlooked. Nonetheless, recent successes in international reception can in part be attributed to the introduction of “Culture” into the “Four Confidences” at the CCP’s 95th anniversary.
In the nine years since the government’s official endorsement of culture, China has steadily worked to assert its rightful place in the global culture market and international public consciousness, which it did not explore as it focused on its development needs over the last 30-40 years. This influence ranges from blockbuster films and artwork inspired by Chinese mythology, such as Nezha 2, to more contemporary mediums such as pop music, literature, and platforms like RedNote (小红书) that bridge cultural divides. Mass-market collectibles e.g. labubus, cuisine, fashion, and coffee culture with Chinese characteristics have also entered the mix. Culture has also permeated into tech with Chinese tech playing a role in the diffusion of Chinese culture. This diffusion has led to an uptick in experiential tourism that immerses people into China’s diverse culture.
While these developments represent growing internal recognition, pride, and external influence, they also open the doors for further examination and study to broaden people–to–people diplomacy whilst being aware of other critical implications. This conference will explore how China’s diverse cultural foundations and its resurgence is manifesting and perceived domestically and, more importantly, on the global stage. As China’s cultural exports gain momentum, it is worth remembering that the current renaissance is an organic evolution of the rich traditions of a 5,000-year-old civilisation, as much as a deliberate extension of globalisation and modern statecraft.
Find the full programme of the conference here on the GIFT website.
