Cultural and creative collectibles, often designed on the basis of cultural relics and vested with pieces of history, are now sought-after mementos or gifts for friends in China after becoming the latest consumer phenomenon to sweep museums and tourist hotspots across the country.
While it is hard to pinpoint exactly when cultural products began to take off, they have quickly become must-have souvenirs at tourist attractions and museums across the Asian country.
Some collectors even travel across the country just to gather them.
When talking with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), Wang Kongkong, a cultural product designer at the Miaoying Temple in Beijing, shared his design philosophy of the figurine of the White Pagoda.
"It's based on the shape of the White Pagoda. For its 745th anniversary, I made a special little sweater for it. The fluffy texture is perfect for winter. There's even a zipper at the bottom where you can add a wish or blessing. It's important to balance aesthetics with functionality. These products bridge museums and the public, translating rich cultural history into something easy to understand," said Wang.
Designing products for historical sites is not easy. Wang has to start from scratch -- learning the history, familiarizing himself with the architecture, and exploring every little detail, so that each product is rooted in solid research.
These charming products have done more than just attract visitors to less-known museums and landmarks, and they have also opened new and diverse consumption opportunities for the cultural tourism industry.
"We used to collect fridge magnets from other countries. Now, our own cultural products are more refined, meaningful, and unique. We're starting to collect them from Beijing!" said a tourist.
Jia Kelei, co-founder of A View Culture Co. Ltd., said he was greatly encouraged by young people's enthusiasm for cultural collectibles that integrate Chinese traditional culture.
"People are increasingly drawn to the fusion of traditional Chinese culture and plush toys. There are so much more to explore within Chinese culture. It's inspiring to see more young people embracing our traditions, loving them, and even willing to pay for products that reflect our cultural heritage. I'm confident our products will soon be making waves overseas," said Jia.
China's cultural collectible market flourishes, becomes latest consumer phenomenon
Peace, cooperation and friendship should be the new narrative of the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
Wang made the statement at a press conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's supreme organ of state power.
"The South China Sea is home to the world's busiest, safest and freest shipping lanes. Over the past year, cooperation in the South China Sea has maintained a sound momentum. China had in-depth discussions with Indonesia on joint maritime development. China held bilateral dialogue with Malaysia on maritime issues and carried out cooperation with Vietnam on sustainable fisheries development. Just recently, China Coast Guard successfully rescued over a dozen Filipino crewmen distressed at the South China Sea. All these are ample proof that peace, cooperation and friendship should be the new narrative of the South China Sea. Making waves wins no hearts and fermenting trouble finds no takers," said Wang.
To achieve lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea requires solid institutional support, noted Wang, highlighting that consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), a long-sought framework to manage differences, have now reached a critical juncture.
"To achieve lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea requires solid institutional support. As we continue with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the COC, as you mentioned, has reached crunch time. All relevant parties look forward to wrapping it up this year. Together with the parties, China has the confidence and the resolve to remove interference, bridge differences, expand common ground and reach an agreement as soon as possible. The COC will provide the golden rules for the parties to effectively manage differences, build trust, and advance cooperation," he said.
The foreign minister called for the Philippines to fulfill its responsibility as this year's ASEAN chair and make positive contributions to regional peace and stability.
"We hope that as this year's ASEAN chair, the Philippines will recognize and fulfill its responsibility, resist the pull of self-interest, and play a positive and constructive role for peace and stability in the region," said Wang.
The fourth session of the 14th NPC opened on Thursday and is scheduled to run till March 12.
Peace, cooperation, friendship should be new narrative of South China Sea: Chinese FM
