"Technology Empowering the Dissemination of Chinese Culture" Roundtable Held in Beijing

On the afternoon of November 21, 2024, the roundtable discussion on Technology Empowering the Dissemination of Chinese Culture under the theme of A Learning Journey was successfully held in Beijing. Co-hosted by the Center for International Cultural Communication, China International Communications Group (CICC), and the ZGC Science Fiction industry Innovation Center, the event aimed to pool wisdom and strength for the preservation and innovative development of Chinese culture. 

It brought together leading experts and scholars from diverse fields, including arts, literature, technology, and international cultural communication, to explore how cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and virtual reality (VR) can enable the global dissemination and innovative development of Chinese culture.

Scene from the " A Learning Journey" Roundtable

Esteemed Guests of the Roundtable

During the discussion, renowned science fiction writer Liu Cixin shared his profound insights into the international communication of Chinese science fiction. He emphasized that science fiction, as a literary genre with a global perspective, should inherit the close connection between ancient culture and contemporary realities. Drawing inspiration from the grand imagination of ancient Chinese mythology, he suggested focusing on challenges and futures shared by all humanity. The global popularity of The Three-Body Problem demonstrates that works addressing universal human themes can transcend cultural differences and resonate with readers worldwide. Liu proposed that to tell compelling Chinese sci-fi stories, we must anchor them in topics of universal concern and integrate Chinese cultural elements to capture global attention.

Sculptor Qiu Zhiqing shared his experiences integrating technology into artistic creation. He pointed out that modern technologies such as 3D printing have revolutionized traditional sculpture techniques, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs. Using his Classic of Mountains and Seas-themed sculpture series as an example, he illustrated how technological innovations in production have been paired with cultural expression to explore the fusion of diverse art forms. Qiu highlighted the rich philosophical wisdom of Eastern culture, which still holds vast potential for dissemination in the West. He expressed optimism about leveraging technology and art's innovative synergy to shine a global spotlight on Chinese culture.

Anzelika Smirnova, a foreign expert from CICC, reflected on her personal experiences amid transformations in how Chinese culture is communicated. From her initial struggles learning Chinese using printed dictionaries to the conveniences brought by technological advances in language learning, she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of technology on cultural dissemination. She underscored the importance of storytelling in showcasing China's charm on the global stage, advocating for deeper exploration of the essence and uniqueness of Chinese culture.

Elsbeth van Paridon, a foreign expert from Center for the Americas, China International Communications Group, analyzed recent trends in Chinese fashion and urban culture. From the rise of cyberpunk aesthetics and the modernization of Hanfu to the widespread use of AI in fashion design and urban living, she noted how these phenomena reflect the intersection of technological progress and social culture. They also provoke thoughtful discussions about balancing tradition and modernity, individuality and uniformity, as well as genuine connections and virtual interactions. She called for people to maintain self-awareness and adopt a rational approach to the changes brought about by technological advancement in the age of cultural-technology convergence. 

Zhang Zhiheng, a representative from the tech industry, discussed how the development of technologies like big data, cloud computing, and virtual reality is profoundly reshaping cultural communication. These technologies not only enable personalized distribution of cultural content but also enrich the depth and breadth of cultural dissemination. Highlighting works such as Black Myth: Wukong, which skillfully integrates traditional cultural elements into gaming, Zhang illustrated the emergence of new paradigms in cultural communication. He urged artists and writers to contribute to these efforts by focusing on traditional culture and the core of Chinese philosophy to promote the deep dissemination and innovative development of Chinese culture on the global stage.

Event Highlights

The Technology Empowering the Dissemination of Chinese Culture roundtable discussion was a highlight of the Fantasies of Classic Mountains and Seas: Qiu Zhiqing's Sci-fi Art opening ceremony. This exhibition seeks to present an immersive blend of reality and virtuality, reimagining the classic Chinese text The Classic of Mountains and Seas through digital art, cultural tourism scenarios, and interactive experiences. It aims to create a modern artistic celebration that seamlessly integrates cultural confidence and technological innovation.