Shenzhen, China — The Forum on Building up China’s Cultural Strength 2025 kicked off on Monday, bringing together cultural icons, experts, and scholars to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is rejuvenating Chinese culture and amplifying its global influence.
Reviving Tradition with Innovation
Zhang Zhiqiang, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of Philosophy, highlighted the resilience of Chinese civilization throughout millennia. "The continuity of Chinese civilization is a miracle of human history and the bedrock of our cultural confidence," he remarked. Zhang emphasized that generations of Chinese people have propelled cultural progress through constant innovation, ensuring traditions remain alive in the modern era.
Integrating Technology and Culture
Shen Zhuanghai, a professor at Wuhan University’s School of Marxism, discussed initiatives like "Internet Plus" and "AI Plus" that fuse technology with cultural development. "We strive to preserve the essence of Chinese culture while embracing the digital age," Shen noted. He urged a focus on enhancing the cultural and digital literacy of the entire nation, ensuring that technology serves to boost human creativity and foster new cultural expressions.
AI Breathing Life into Heritage
Gao Wen, academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, illustrated how AI is transforming cultural preservation. "AI technology allows traditional culture to come alive and be passed down," he said. Technologies like image recognition and data analysis are safeguarding endangered cultural heritage, while intelligent guided tour systems enable museum artifacts to "speak," sharing their historical stories dynamically.
Global Reach Through Technology
According to Gao, AI is also propelling Chinese culture onto the global stage. Intelligent translation and recommendation systems help Chinese cultural works overcome language barriers, reaching audiences worldwide. "These efforts enhance the global influence of Chinese culture, fostering mutual learning among diverse cultures," Gao added.
Art Enhancing AI’s Creativity
While highlighting technological advancements, Gao stressed the importance of art and culture in enhancing AI’s aesthetic creativity. "This ensures AI becomes a beneficial partner in the progress of human civilization," he stated.
A Platform for Cultural Dialogue
The forum, hosted by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, has been held annually since 2023. Featuring one main forum and ten sub-forums, it serves as a platform for dialogue and a bellwether for cultural development. This landmark event aims to accelerate China’s journey toward becoming a leading nation in culture and innovation.
