Shandong county plans cultural boost to economy

Students take part in a speaking contest in Zhangqiu, a town in Yanggu county. [Photo by Shi Shutao for chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhangqiu town in Yanggu county – located in East China's Shandong province – has paved the way to achieve the integrated development of its ecosystem, industry, living environment and society.

During the past few years, the town has undertaken various measures to protect its cultural heritage, develop cultural tourism and host a raft of cultural activities – all helping to boost the local economy.

Cultural centers, clubs for women and children, as well as libraries have been set up with the joint efforts of various parties, to offer public spaces for learning and entertainment.

Since the start of the year, Zhangqiu has organized 142 reading get-togethers, 22 opera performances and 313 screenings of films.

All the villages in the town now host a reading activity every month, aiming to raise public awareness of its benefits, develop it as a sound hobby and improve the quality of reading.

The town also honors role models in family relationships, as well as good manners – and those villages with a particularly clean environment and beautiful landscape. More than 30 households have been recognized this year.

Zhangqiu plans to further develop civic pride and host more cultural events, to attract more to contribute to cultural prosperity. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)