"Chinese Cultural Figures" (Special Issue for the Two Sessions)In-Depth Integration of Culture and Tourism: Empowering High-Quality City Development with Cultural Strength
Chinese cultural figures reporter Ma Jiangping/Report



The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. 



Warm Congratulations on the Grand Opening of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
 

Chinese cultural figures (Reporter Ma Jiangping)The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has outlined a grand blueprint for "advancing cultural confidence and self-improvement and forging new glories for socialist culture." The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made systematic arrangements to improve the public cultural service system and promote the creative transformation and innovative development of China's outstanding traditional culture. The upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan further positions cultural development at the core of urban high-quality development, emphasizing that culture empowers people’s wellbeing and cultural heritage nourishes the times. In Beijing, the cultural capital, Beijing Chengcha Culture takes "tea" as its medium and "culture" as its soul. From the ancient pavilions of imperial gardens to the spiritual highlands of revolutionary heritage, from the vibrant urban commercial districts to the scholarly ambiance of community libraries, it has blazed a trail where cultural inheritance, public  services, and urban development resonate in harmony. These endeavors serve as a vivid illustration of innovation of public cultural services in the new era.
A thriving culture propels national prosperity, and a robust culture empowers the nation. Since its inception at Chenghuai Pavilion in the Summer Palace, Chengcha has embraced the dual mission of "cultural preservation and public convenience service", seamlessly integrating its growth into China's cultural strategy. From the protective restoration of Chenghuai Pavilion in the Summer Palace, Chengcha has breathed new life into century-old architecture through tea services and intangible cultural heritage experiences, putting into practice the concept of “bringing cultural relics to life”. Rooted in the cultural heritage of the Central Axis at Jingshan Park, Chengcha has revitalized traditional intangible cultural heritage through mass seal engraving and Beijing-style cultural and creative products, thus advancing the preservation and utilization of the Central Axis cultural heritage. Chengcha has always treated its cultural roots with reverence, ensuring that imperial garden culture, revolutionary culture and urban cultural heritage are carried forward in daily consumption scenarios.
Creative transformation and innovative development represent the essential pathways for integrating fine traditional Chinese culture into modern life. Chengcha understands this principle well, choosing to be a "transformer" of culture rather than a mere "displayer". At Beihai Park, the "Beihai Jun" IP blends imperial garden symbols with Chinese zodiac culture, turning cultural products into portable cultural memories. In Wanpingcheng and Lugou Bridge, it integrates revolutionary culture with seal engraving art and smart technology, allowing the spirit of the War of Resistance to touch people’s hearts through a cup of tea or a seal. At Yuyuantan Park, the "Yu Jian" IP leverages woodland spaces as a medium to embed ecological culture and low-carbon ideas into visitors’ park experiences, enabling mutual enhancement between nature education and cultural outreach. These small yet exquisite cultural innovations have broken down the barriers between traditional culture and public life, bringing refined culture into ordinary households and providing cultural inheritance with more vibrant carriers and broader spaces.
The essence of public cultural services lies in cultivating individuals through culture and benefiting communities with cultural initiatives. Chengcha's practice has always centered on the core of people's needs. It enables comprehensive expansion of public cultural spaces. At Taoranting Park, Chengcha focuses on the elderly by opening earlier and providing free medical services, creating a community haven for people’s wellbeing. Hongwen Pavilion has been transformed into an urban study, integrating reading, educational programs and tea services to become an all-age cultural complex. In the Xihongmen Commercial Zone, Chengcha has developed business social and nighttime consumption scenarios to empower urban consumption upgrades. Across all its stores, Chengcha upholds the principle of serving the public and addressing pain points in consumption at scenic spots and commercial areas. In these ways, Chengcha has extended public cultural services beyond traditional venues into every corner of cities including parks, commercial districts, and communities. With its layout of "One Store, One Feature; One Scene, One Culture", Chengcha not only meets cultural needs of diverse groups  but also unlocks the cultural value of urban public spaces. It embodies the vision that "development is for the people, by the people, and its fruits are shared by the people".
At the new starting point of the 15th Five-Year Plan, cultural development embraces unprecedented opportunities. Chengcha's exploration has proven that cultural innovation is never a solitary endeavor, but one that aligns with national strategies, progresses in step with urban development, and resonates with public needs. In the future, as more cultural entities  like Chengcha deepen their cultural roots, innovate service models, and stay committed to benefiting the people, culture will become the soft power driving high-quality urban development. Public cultural services will serve as a heartwarming foundation of happiness that touches people’s hearts. Nourishing the mind through tea and forging the soul through culture, Chengcha is writing a new chapter of cultural empowerment in the new era with concrete actions. It is also contributing its part to the prosperity of Chinese culture and the building of a great modern socialist country in terms of culture.

(Web editor:Liu Sheng, Zhang Yan)