Hey culture buffs! 🎨 This year, Beijing's creative economy has exploded as traditional art and heritage go full-on remix mode. Museum artifacts that once sat quietly behind glass are now top-tier IP, racking up over 100 million yuan in sales. At the same time, century-old theaters are getting a major glow-up, transforming into trendy spots where history meets modern vibes.
CGTN host Xu Qinduo and Prof. David Moser from Capital Normal University recently toured the National Museum of China and the Jixiang Theater to see this transformation live. At the museum, interactive displays and collabs with streetwear brands let visitors stream live tours and snag Hanfu-inspired merch. Meanwhile, Jixiang Theater has combined classic Peking Opera with immersive lighting and sound design to draw in a new generation of theatergoers.
What's fueling this boom? It's all about making culture communicable (easy to share), consumable (fun to buy) and accessible (wow-factor experiences). Think AR filters that let you try on ancient robes, pop-up cafes serving tea blends inspired by Tang dynasty poetry, and NFT-style digital art drops tied to museum collections. 👘☕
For young people across South and Southeast Asia, this cultural remix offers fresh inspo. Whether you're scrolling TikTok in Manila or catching a VR museum tour in Mumbai, China's blend of heritage and high-tech is showing how traditions can spark new trends—and even new careers.
As the line between culture and commerce blurs, China's creative economy is lighting the way for a more playful, inclusive future of heritage. Ready to dive into the mix? 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
