Showcasing Chengdu to the world! The 2023 East Asia Culture Capital, namely the China Chengdu Year of Activity, has officially launched.

CHENGDU, China, June 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The grand opening of the “2023 East Asia Culture Capital · China Chengdu Year of Activity” took place in Chengdu on June 29th. Organized by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government and GoChengdu, and executed by the Chengdu Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Tourism, and Sports, the event is set to leave a mark.

The theme of the event is “Showcasing Chengdu to the World.” The goal is to foster the spirit of the tripartite Cultural Ministers’ Meeting involving China, Japan, and South Korea, boosting international cooperation, reinforcing the unity of East Asian culture, and encouraging mutual understanding among citizens of the three nations.

Inspired by the ‘Heavenly State’ culture, we begin a new venture to construct a vibrant ‘Culture Capital.’

The inauguration ceremony started with the magnificent dance and opera show “Hundred Flowers in Full Bloom.” Multiple performances depicting the unique culture of the ‘Heavenly State’ followed, offering an engaging spectacle to the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean guests present, and eliciting enthusiastic applause.

Chen Zhiyong, Deputy Mayor of Chengdu, stated in his opening address that the East Asia Culture Capital is a significant achievement of the China-Japan-Korea Leaders’ Meeting in humanities. It is a concrete manifestation of the “Belt and Road” initiative and a particular measure to implement the spirit of the Asian Civilizations Dialogue Conference, and build a shared future for humanity. Chengdu will host a variety of unique activities this year as part of the “East Asia Culture Capital,” to promote cooperation with other “East Asia Culture Capital” cities, enhance cultural and tourism exchanges globally, and create an East Asian civilization portrait of “Shared Beauty.”

Yan Sashuang, Deputy Director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, remarked that being chosen as the 2023 East Asia Culture Capital provides Chengdu with a new historical context. A series of international cultural and tourist events are expected in Chengdu, such as the 31st Summer Universiade next month and the 8th China Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival in October.

2023 symbolizes the commencement of the second decade of the East Asia Culture Capital, marking a new historical starting point towards building a magnificent ‘Culture Capital.’ Shi Zeyi, Deputy Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, congratulated the host of the 2023 East Asia Culture Capital·China Chengdu Year of Activity. He expressed his hope that Chengdu, as the elected “East Asia Culture Capital,” will continue to actively preserve excellent traditional culture, strive to narrate Chengdu’s stories in the new era, and effectively communicate China’s voice in the new era.

Three countries convened in the ‘Heavenly State‘. 

17 cities signed the “Joint Declaration” for cooperation.

The world becomes brilliant through exchanges, and the Chinese civilization has been known for its openness and inclusiveness since ancient times, constantly revitalizing itself through interactions and mutual learning with other civilizations.

Heita Kawakatsu, Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, stated in his speech that he anticipates Chengdu and Shizuoka Prefecture enhancing their collaboration in culture and various other sectors through the East Asia Culture Capital platform.

Woo Beom-gi, the Mayor of Jeonju in South Korea, acknowledged Chengdu’s status as a representative of the “Three Kingdoms Culture.” He expressed his hope that the two cities can strengthen their friendship through cultural exchange activities.

The event also saw representatives from cities previously elected as the East Asia Culture Capital sign the “Joint Declaration of the 2023 East Asia Culture Capital.” The pact encourages the elected cities to collaborate towards creating a prosperous East Asia.

Fostering the amalgamation of culture and tourism, the Ten Most Beautiful East Asia Culture Capital – Chengdu Boutique Tour Routes were unveiled.

It was reported that the event introduced ten recommended “Most Beautiful East Asia Culture Capital – Chengdu Boutique Tour Routes.” A blend of Chengdu’s cultural and tourism resources and policy advantages like the 144-hour transit visa exemption, led to the creation of these routes. Industry professionals and inbound tourists’ representatives were widely involved in the design process, leading to the selection of ten premium routes, including the Craftsmanship Inheritance – Intangible Heritage Tour, Ancient Charm of Three Kingdoms – Poetry, Book, and Brocade, Panda Volunteer – Dual Heritage Tour, Chengdu Treasures – Dynamic New City, among others.