Discover local characteristics to expand city's profile, expert says

"It's necessary for Changchun to review all its street blocks," said Cao Baoming, an expert of folk customs, during an interview with local media.

Cao is the deputy chairman of the China Folk Literature and Art Society and head of Jilin province’s experts committee for intangible cultural heritages. He has spent more than 40 years trotting through almost every corner of Northeast China to record folklore before it is lost.

Cao Baoming talks about the urban planning of Changchun from a cultural perspective during a recent interview with local media. [Photo/cnjiwang.com]

He suggested that the capital city of Jilin province should dig into the history and culture of its street blocks to expand its profile.

Cao holds that local folk arts such as errenzhuan (a song-and-dance performance popular in Northeast China), paper-cutting, weaving and handicrafts, are the most important folk art legacies in Changchun and deserve further development.

He mentioned some of the city's typical historical landmarks, such as the old railway station and the Former Site Museum of Changchun Film Studio that preserve local people’s memories of the past, and urged their protection.

File photo shows Xinmin Dajie, or Xinmin Avenue in Changchun, capital of Jilin province. Cao suggests it could be turned into a pedestrian park with historical complexes. [Photo/cnjiwang.com]

He hopes to change many people's stereotypical view of Northeast China -- a place without culture -- through his efforts.

He said he is thinking about writing a book on promoting the culture of Northeast China from the perspective of children. It will consist of five parts, ranging from stories and folk songs to proverbs and idioms.

He also insists that the suggestions of resident representatives, experts on nature, architecture, history and culture, and entrepreneurs must be taken into consideration in the overall planning of Changchun.