City becomes an international star with UNESCO recognition

Changsha's eye-catching achievements in cultural creativity and the media arts received global recognition when a few months ago it was granted membership of the Creative Cities Network launched by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The Creative Cities Network ranks among UNESCO's most influential and top-level cultural flagship projects, and has attracted more than 100 cities worldwide to join in.

Changsha in November not only joined the UNESCO network, but was also recognized as a City of Media Arts - previously awarded to Lyon in France, York in the United Kingdom and Austin in the United States.

It was a singular honor for Changsha, which became the first city in China awarded with the UNESCO title.

That appellation has become something of a useful "business card" for Changsha, helping it turn over a new chapter in the development of the city's media and arts industries. "With higher standards, more substantial measures and more international views, Changsha is scheduled to further promote its development as a City of Media Arts," said Hu Henghua, Party chief of Changsha.

Changsha has seen the growth of locally-based online video platform giant, Mango TV, which continues to grow its already impressive audiences. A raft of excellent TV programs have also sprung up in Changsha, such as Happy Camp, Day Day Up, Super Girl and I am a Singer.

Meanwhile, Changsha has produced a number of compelling TV series like Kangxi Dynasty, For the Sake of the Republic of China, and Dream of Youth, which have been successful both at home and abroad.

Officials say the city is also paying close attention to international communications and cooperation in terms of cultural creativity and the media arts.

A series of international cultural events have allowed Changsha to play an increasingly important role in international cultural cooperation.

The events include but are not limited to the China (Changsha) International Sculpture Festival, the Meixihu International Culture and Arts Week, China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival, China (Orange Isle) International Photography Cultural Festival and the Culture City of East Asia 2017 - all held in Changsha.

In addition, Changsha reportedly created a stir with international and domestic visitors to the 14th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, held from May 10 to 14.

zhangdandan@chinadaily.com.cn