I am an art enthusiast living in a small town and enjoy watching cultural performances. However, to see high-quality shows, I often have to travel to the county seat or even big cities. Are there any policies to promote more high-quality performances and cultural resources in local communities?

The Decision of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee proposed “establishing a mechanism for delivering high-quality cultural resources directly to local communities.” This year’s Government Work Report stated: “Improve the public cultural service system and promote the delivery of high-quality cultural resources to local communities.”

“We aim to bring a continuous stream of quality performances to local communities, ensuring the public enjoys rich cultural experiences.” A representative from the Public Culture Services Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said, “We will continue to advance the standardization and equalization of urban and rural public cultural services, enabling residents to better participate in cultural activities, develop artistic skills, enjoy cultural life, and strengthen their spiritual well-being.”

— Improving the public cultural service network at the grassroots level.

“Attending night school to learn art and make friends,” “Borrowing books, watching performances, and enjoying village galas without leaving the village”—these are just some of the praises from people across different regions. Guided by policies such as the “Guidance on Promoting the Centralized-Branch System of County Cultural Centers and Libraries,” local governments are advancing the construction of centralized-branch systems for county cultural centers and libraries, integrating scattered and independent resources into an organized framework. High-quality performances, books, and other resources are continuously delivered to communities and villages, transforming “single-source supply” into “diversified and interactive supply.”

The representative from the Public Culture Services Department stated: “We will further strengthen the construction of county-level cultural centers and libraries, enabling shared book borrowing and returning, digital services, coordinated cultural activities, and unified staff training. We will enhance the role of cultural centers in promoting social values and integrate them with the New Era Civilization Practice Centers. Additionally, we will extend operating hours, support late-night services, and encourage nighttime cultural activities. We will also promote public cultural activities such as square dancing, seasonal village galas, and village songs.”

— Innovating and expanding urban and rural public cultural spaces.

Visiting urban reading rooms and rural book houses for enriching cultural experiences has become a habit for many. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued the “Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Public Cultural Services,” outlining plans for new public cultural spaces.

Public cultural spaces are flexibly integrated into various daily settings. In urban streets, commercial districts, and cultural parks, new public spaces combine book reading, art exhibitions, cultural salons, and light dining. In rural areas, cultural halls, plazas, and village stages are popular among residents.

“To date, over 40,000 new public cultural spaces have been built nationwide,” the representative said. “In May this year, the ‘Opinions on Continuously Promoting Urban Renewal Actions’ issued by the central authorities proposed scientifically planning new public cultural spaces. We support local efforts to create distinctive and high-quality public cultural spaces, expand coverage, and enhance effectiveness to meet the growing demand for high-quality cultural life among urban and rural residents.”

— Accelerating the digitalization of public cultural services.

In recent years, adapting to digital trends, “cloud-based” public cultural services have allowed urban and rural residents to share digital cultural products such as performances, lectures, and online art courses. In Ningbo, Zhejiang, borrowing books is convenient even on remote islands. In Changsha, Hunan, online cultural services like square dance tutorials have gained widespread popularity. The National Public Culture Cloud platform enables live streaming, event participation, and skill learning with just a click.

The representative added: “Next, we will strengthen the development of smart library systems and enhance the digital services of cultural centers. We will explore public-friendly digital cultural experience spaces and integrate new formats like digital art into public venues, ensuring seamless and engaging online and offline cultural services.”

Guidance on Promoting the Centralized-Branch System of County Cultural Centers and Libraries

The *Guidance on Promoting the Centralized-Branch System of County Cultural Centers and Libraries* is a policy initiative in China aimed at improving public access to cultural and educational resources. It encourages a unified management model where county-level cultural centers and libraries operate with a central hub and multiple branches, ensuring efficient resource distribution and standardized services. This system reflects efforts to modernize rural public cultural infrastructure and promote equitable cultural development across regions.

New Era Civilization Practice Centers

New Era Civilization Practice Centers are community hubs established in China as part of a government initiative to promote socialist values, cultural activities, and civic education. These centers, often found in urban and rural areas, provide services such as volunteer programs, skill training, and ideological guidance, reflecting the broader push for “spiritual civilization” in line with national policies. Their history is tied to China’s modernization efforts, aiming to strengthen social cohesion and moral development under the ruling party’s framework.

Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Public Cultural Services

“Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Public Cultural Services” is a policy document issued by the Chinese government to enhance the accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of public cultural services nationwide. It reflects China’s commitment to cultural development as part of its broader social and economic modernization goals, emphasizing equitable access, digital innovation, and grassroots participation. The initiative aligns with historical efforts to strengthen cultural infrastructure, such as libraries, museums, and community centers, while adapting to contemporary needs.

Opinions on Continuously Promoting Urban Renewal Actions

“Opinions on Continuously Promoting Urban Renewal Actions” is a policy initiative aimed at revitalizing aging urban areas through redevelopment, infrastructure upgrades, and cultural preservation. It reflects China’s broader strategy to modernize cities while balancing economic growth, historical conservation, and improved living standards. The policy emphasizes sustainable development, community participation, and the integration of new technologies in urban planning.

National Public Culture Cloud

The **National Public Culture Cloud** is a digital platform launched by the Chinese government to promote public cultural services, providing online access to resources like e-books, performances, and cultural heritage exhibits. Established as part of China’s efforts to modernize and democratize cultural dissemination, it integrates resources from libraries, museums, and cultural centers nationwide. The platform aims to enhance public engagement with culture through technology, ensuring broader accessibility, especially in rural and underserved areas.

urban reading rooms

Urban Reading Rooms are public spaces designed to promote literacy, community engagement, and access to literature in cities. Often found in parks, transit hubs, or repurposed structures, they provide free books and quiet reading areas. Inspired by historical public libraries and book-sharing movements, these modern installations aim to make reading accessible to all urban dwellers.

rural book houses

Rural book houses are small, community-driven libraries or reading spaces established in countryside areas to promote literacy and access to books in underserved regions. Often initiated by local governments, NGOs, or volunteers, these book houses provide educational resources, cultural activities, and a gathering place for villagers. Their history is tied to efforts in countries like China, where programs like “Farmer’s Book Houses” (农家书屋) began in the early 2000s to bridge the urban-rural knowledge gap and support rural development.

cultural halls

Cultural halls are venues designed to host artistic performances, exhibitions, and community events, often serving as hubs for preserving and promoting local traditions. Many were established in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Europe and North America, as centers for public education and cultural exchange. Today, they continue to play a vital role in fostering creativity, social cohesion, and heritage appreciation worldwide.