East Lake Review- Use the flowers of Yangtze River culture and art to decorate the Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains in the New Era

As the curtain rises against the sky, the city of Wuhan unveils itself like a stunning stage, with the Yangtze River taking center stage. On the evening of September 14, the opening ceremony of the Yangtze Cultural and Arts Season is set to take place, turning the picturesque riversides into a grand celebration under the theme of “a great city showcasing its brilliance and celebrating with its people.” This event aims to highlight the breathtaking beauty of the Yangtze River, its artistic expressions, and its rich cultural heritage.

In contemplating our past, we gain strength in the face of history—a sentiment echoed in the saying, “the endless Yangtze River flows on.” President Xi Jinping commented on the river’s significance, stating, “The Yangtze River has fostered a millennia-old cultural lineage from the Bashan and Shu waters to the Jiangnan water towns. It stands as a representative symbol of the Chinese nation and a hallmark of Chinese civilization.” As we delve into history, archaeological discoveries, including early Paleolithic tools from the Wushan era and evidence of Homo erectus culture from the Yangtze’s lower reaches, dating back 1.7 to 2 million years, reveal a rich narrative. Remains of the Hemudu, Liangzhu, and Sanxingdui cultures shimmer across time. Literary masterpieces like Li Bai’s “Early Morning Departure from Baidi City,” Zhang Ruoxu’s “Spring River, Flower Moon Night,” and Su Shi’s “Nostalgia at Chibi” illuminate the illustrious cultural history carried by the Yangtze, serving as a vital part of the collective memory and spiritual home of the Chinese nation. “We are currently in an era closest to the cultural renaissance of the Chinese nation. Our confidence has been awakened, showing how deeply our approach to issues is intertwined with our 5,000-year cultural heritage.” The Yangtze Cultural and Arts Season aspires to draw richly from this culture, building a solid foundation for cultural confidence as we pursue a unique path to modernization and the revival of the Chinese nation.

As we acknowledge our present, it’s vital to maintain a clear vision— “the light boat has already passed through countless mountains.” Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi has visited the 11 provinces along the Yangtze Economic Belt, emphasizing the critical need to protect, inherit, and promote Yangtze culture to sustain its historical legacy and bolster cultural confidence. He highlighted the importance of exploring the modern relevance of Yangtze culture, urging for the creation of more artistic works that reflect its spirit in today’s era. Provinces along the Yangtze have responded effectively to this call, focusing on cultural inheritance and development. For example, Hubei has integrated Yangtze culture protection into its overall river basin management and development plans, while Anhui has created cultural tourism products centered around the region. Jiangsu has spotlighted iconic cultural landmarks tied to the Yangtze River, and Zhejiang is advancing nearly 90 key projects for the Yangtze National Cultural Park throughout the province. Through the Yangtze Cultural and Arts Festival, we aim to showcase the successful transmission of culture across the 13 provinces along the river, clarify our goals for cultural reform, and embrace the new cultural mission as we creatively and innovatively develop Yangtze culture.

Looking forward, we must remain steadfast in the belief that “only the endless river flows into the horizon.” The Yangtze Economic Belt spans the eastern, central, and western regions of China, with its population and economic output accounting for nearly half of the country. In the context of China’s unique modernization path, the high-quality development of the Yangtze Economic Belt is crucial. Since the new era began, President Xi has carefully outlined a roadmap for this development, resulting in consistent improvements in quality and increasingly favorable conditions. However, we must also acknowledge that both the ecological protection of the Yangtze River and its transition to high-quality development face critical challenges. “Spiritual strength is the soul on which a nation relies for enduring survival; only by achieving a certain spiritual height can a nation stand resiliently through the torrents of history.” From the ancient resistance in Bashu against the Qin to modern industrial ventures in Jiangnan and significant events in Wuchang, the culture of the Yangtze River has continually driven China’s historical development. The Yangtze Cultural and Arts Season represents an opportunity to harness the relationship between spirit and material, leveraging the resource advantages of the Yangtze river basin to showcase regional characteristics, converting the cultural brand of the Yangtze into tangible economic benefits, and fostering new cultural productive forces that enhance our unique modernization.

As the festivities kick off, the anticipation is palpable. Over the next two months, a series of ten major events will unfold, featuring academic seminars with renowned cultural figures, choral weeks, literary weeks, an exhibition showcasing intangible cultural heritage, and a closing ceremony for the art season. Together, these events will weave a vibrant tapestry of Yangtze’s cultural and artistic expressions, contributing to a magnificent portrayal of the new era’s landscape.