City in Sichuan boosts cultural industries in innovative ways

The opening lecture, entitled "Linqiong — the Only Ancient City among the Four Oldest Cities in Ba-Shu not Being the Capital City", was delivered by Tao Kaimin, dean of Shifang Academy, following the conclusion of the launching ceremony.

The lecture sparked lively discussions among cultural and historical experts and enthusiasts.

Li Xukui, a Qionglai cultural and historical expert, said "it is difficult to plan for a city's future effectively if we don't have a good understanding of its history." He said he intended to actively participate in the mini-lecture program, and hoped more people could engage in the inheritance and dissemination of Qionglai's history and culture.

Chen Lijuan, a local villager, took her daughter to Shifang Academy for the mini-lecture. She believes it is of vital importance for the locals to get a thorough understanding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage, and such lectures carry great significance.

More cultural and historical experts will be invited to give Qionglai Story mini-lectures at places such as academies, bookstores, schools, communities and libraries, according to officials at Qionglai's federation of literary and art circles.

It has been learned that besides the mini-lecture program, Qionglai is also trying all out to deepen the integration of its cultural and tourism development, in a bid to enhance the charm of the city.

The city intends to build a group of characteristic consumption clusters, by vigorously developing the local night economy, nurturing new formats such as film, television and animation, as well as building a cultural square centering on the story of Zhuo Wenjun.

zhuangqiange@chinadaily.com.cn