A socialist culture with Chinese characteristics

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What’s that? It’s a question very likely asked by many outside China. And to be fair, it’s not something I can answer comprehensively either on this page, or in a news report.

That’s because it has been developed over many thousands of years, from the early dynasties to the present day. It covers everything from social values to works of art. And earlier this week, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), spoke of its fundamental importance to both the Chinese nation and its people.

The general secretary told the 19th CPC National Congress that, “without full confidence in our culture, without a rich and prosperous culture, the Chinese nation will not be able to rejuvenate itself.” So it might seem that China is looking to its past to protect its future. But from what I have seen, this does not mean regression, but looking forward.

The National Center for Performing Arts, Beijing /Photo: Yao Chin‍

So what is “A socialist culture with Chinese characteristics?” Well in a nutshell, I would say it’s about being from China and proud of it. But for a more qualified answer by someone more qualified to answer this, do watch my report where I interview Professor Qi Yongfeng, an expert in China’s communication strategy.

And there’s a further value attached to this culture, and that’s the business that can go with it. In the first half of this year, the total revenue from major cultural enterprises in China was 4.3 trillion yuan. That’s an 11.7 percent increase from last year, and it brings a whole new meaning to greatly appreciating culture.

And it’s an industry that is expected to blossom, driven by domestic demand. But as encouraged as it is, China’s government’s main aim is to use culture to make its peoples’ lives richer in a way that money can’t buy, or (at least my) words can’t describe.