Shenzhen TV Zhi News: 

In February of this year, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region jointly released distribution maps of major historical and cultural resources, revealing shared cultural heritage with distinctive local characteristics. For example, Beijing boasts a rich heritage as an ancient capital, while Hebei is renowned for its Yanzhao cultural heritage. Now, I would like to know, what are the main characteristics of Tianjin's culture? Additionally, what measures will be taken to further leverage these distinctive cultural characteristics in urban development? Thank you.

Zhang Gong:

Thank you for your interest in Tianjin's culture. Now, let's give the floor to Ms. Shen Lei to answer this question.

Shen Lei:

Thank you for your question. You also mentioned the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region from a cultural perspective. I understand that culture is the accumulation and continuation of history. Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei are connected geographically and share the same cultural heritage. However, each region has its own historical development context, leading to distinct cultural characteristics.

Tianjin boasts a 10,000-year history of human activity, a history of civilization spanning thousands of years, and a city history of six centuries. It is often dubbed "a window into modern China's past century" because it created over 100 "firsts" in modern Chinese history. Therefore, it is also referred to as the "gateway to the capital region, a hub of river and sea transport, an epitome of modern history, a frontier of cultural integration, the cradle of national industry, and the pioneer of modern education." Its unique geographical environment, where rivers meet the sea, coupled with the shifting dynamics of modern times, has endowed Tianjin with a cultural characteristic and temperament of "diversity, inclusiveness, fusion, harmony, openness, and innovation." This characteristic and temperament have deeply integrated into the fabric of the city's development and permeated the lives of its residents, shaping the city's appearance, personality, external features, and internal qualities.

For example, the "urban charm" of Tianjin is characterized by the Haihe River flowing through the city, imparting a unique aura to the urban landscape. The historical architectural buildings on both banks of the Haihe River, commonly known as "small Western-style buildings," are diverse and distinctive, presenting a "world architecture expo" and bearing witness to legendary stories of many historical figures. This has given Tianjin a unique urban landscape blending Eastern and Western influences, and ancient and modern styles. The "cultural and artistic charm" of Tianjin is evident in its abundance of cultural celebrities and artists, being a prominent center for the development of various art forms such as Peking Opera, cross-talk, northern Chinese folk art, Ping Opera, and Chinese drama. Tianjin audiences love art and know how to appreciate the beauty of art, and the mutual interaction between actors, audience, and art has become a unique cultural phenomenon. The "humanistic character" of Tianjin is reflected in the optimistic, humorous, hospitable, and righteous nature of its people, which has become a distinctive cultural characteristic of the city. In Tianjin, you can experience the city's grand atmosphere, featuring both generosity and cosmopolitanism, blending the ancient with the modern, and offering a profound yet romantic feel wherever you go.

Culture is the soul of a city, representing its image and influencing its development. We will cherish and develop urban culture with greater care and affection, promoting cultural enrichment, benefiting the people, nurturing the city and fostering industry through culture. First, cultural protection and inheritance. We will preserve and utilize historical and cultural areas, heritage buildings, and intangible cultural heritage. Second, cultural transformation and presentation. We will delve into Tianjin's rich historical and cultural resources to enhance the supply of high-quality cultural products and services. Third, cultural branding and identification. By highlighting Tianjin's unique elements, we will strengthen Tianjin's art, literary, tourism, creative and time-honored brands. Fourth, cultural dissemination and exchange. We will share Tianjin's stories through various platforms and resources to spread its brilliance in cultural exchanges. Thank you.