Key Takeaways
- Dalian aims to become a ‘Culture City of East Asia’ with a robust cultural infrastructure.
- Part of a program involving China, Japan, and South Korea to promote cultural arts and regional solidarity.
- Dalian stands out for its tourism, city planning, and scenic landscapes.
Cultural Development Efforts
Dalian, China–Dalian, a major port city on the Liaodong Peninsula in the Western province of Liaoning, known for its pleasant climate and rich cultural heritage, has been striving to become a ‘Culture City of East Asia’ for the last few years.
The sub-province presently boasts 13 public libraries, 12 cultural centers, 29 museums, more than 700 rural cultural yards, and 32 brand-new public cultural spaces.
Moreover, ‘Comprehensive cultural stations’ have been set up in 148 sub-districts, and 1,651 villages have cultural and sports activity rooms.
Regional Cultural Initiative
The Culture City of East Asia is a program whose predecessors are the “European Capital of Culture” program run by the European Union since 1985 and the “ASEAN Capital City of Culture” program run by the ASEAN since 2008.
The program comprises three countries: China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, which annually select a city representing their country’s traditional culture or a city aiming to develop cultural arts.
According to a report, the program aims “not only to promote mutual understanding and a sense of solidarity within East Asia but also to enhance the global competitiveness of the East.”
Dalian’s Unique Profile
The coastal city was previously awarded for being among China’s model cities for tourism and recreation due to its geographical landscape and cultural richness. Furthermore, China has selected Dalian as the national pilot area for developing cruise ship travel.
The city stands apart in terms of city planning and infrastructure as Dalian officials had the foresight to include tourism in their urban plans when China opened its borders to the outside world in 1978.
The peninsula that shares most of its border with the Yellow Sea is known for its colorful flower plantations and apple and cherry orchards. Being one of China’s highly developed industrial areas, it is also home to scenic islands, forests, and a unique volcano site.
What We Think
Dalian’s endeavor to become a Culture City of East Asia demonstrates a commitment to nurturing its cultural identity and fostering regional collaboration.
The city’s proactive approach in integrating tourism into urban planning has not only highlighted its rich heritage but also positioned it as a significant cultural hub.
As Dalian continues to blend industrial prowess with its natural beauty, its recognition in the national and international arenas for cultural development and tourism sets a promising trajectory for the city’s future growth and global engagement.
