In 2024, China's cultural landscape experienced a vibrant surge of achievements, celebrating milestones in heritage, arts and innovation. From the Beijing Central Axis being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List to the global praise of Black Myth: Wukong, the year showcased the nation's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Cultural festivities, groundbreaking archaeological discoveries and creative endeavors have not only resonated within China but also captivated audiences worldwide, underscoring the profound influence of Chinese culture on a global stage.

Let's take a look back at some of the year's major cultural highlights as we embrace the New Year!

Li Ziqi, one of China's most popular influencers, made a surprising comeback after she stopped posting videos for more than three years. [Video grab]

6. Online shows spark nationwide discussions

Throughout 2024, a diverse array of online shows has captivated the public imagination, igniting fervent discussions.

Become a Farmer, a phenomenal agriculture-themed reality show by iQIYI concluded its season 2, and is widely acclaimed for highlighting the participants' uplifting journeys of personal growth by dedicating themselves to farming.

The show The King of Stand-up Comedy has taken the spotlight, featuring 44 groups of comedians vying for the title of "King of Comedy", by showcasing their comedic talents, creativity and adaptability over six rounds.

Emerging as a focal point of this year's reality show landscape, See You Again follows couples navigating divorce or separation on an 18-day road trip to picturesque locales. The series delves into the shifting dynamics of gender roles within marital relationships, the evolving nature of marital responsibilities and the power imbalances that lie beneath unspoken tensions.

After a hiatus of over three years, Li Ziqi, the Chinese influencer renowned for her serene and meticulously crafted videos, has made a triumphant return to the digital world in November. The release of two new videos, particularly the mesmerizing lacquer art video, not only showcased her artistic prowess but also underscored her commitment to cultural preservation, eliciting an outpouring of enthusiasm and admiration from her dedicated fan base.

Actor Yu Shi has emerged as one of the most sought-after young stars, with popular roles, such as Batay, a Kazak youth in To the Wonder. [Photo provided to China Daily]

7. Domestic films and TV shows focus on real-life stories

This year, a wave of high-quality domestic TV dramas has swept across screens, showcasing a diverse range of compelling narratives. Standout programs include Blossoms Shanghai, offering a nostalgic journey to 1990s Shanghai; To the Wonder, a poetic portrayal of local life in Altay prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region; and The Tale of Rose, exploring women's growth and self-discovery in various life stages and relationships.

Additionally, Always on the Move follows a duo dedicated to ensuring passenger safety amidst China's railway system evolution. TV series like Born to be the One and acclaimed films such as YOLO, Successor, and Her Story exemplify a growing trend towards realistic portrayals of contemporary Chinese life, employing innovative storytelling techniques that deeply resonate with audiences.

A bust of Wukong, the protagonist of the Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, is displayed at the booth of Game Science, the developer of the popular game, at the Light of Internet Expo in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

8. Black Myth: Wukong goes viral, showcasing Chinese culture to the world

The Chinese AAA game Black Myth: Wukong has taken the gaming world by storm this year, dominating platforms like Steam and earning prestigious accolades including the Ultimate Game of the Year and Best Visual Design at the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards in London.

Developed by a Shenzhen-based company, this action-packed role-playing game draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and the classic novel Journey to the West. Infused with rich traditional cultural elements, it provides players with a unique and immersive experience, casting them as the Destined One on an epic westward journey.

Black Myth: Wukong stands as a prime example of China's fusion of traditional culture with modern technology to narrate compelling stories, enhance its cultural influence and leave a lasting impact on the global entertainment landscape.

Foreign tourists take photos at Terracotta Warrior Pit 1 of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, on Dec 30, 2024. [Photo by Zhang Tianzhu/For China Daily]

9. "China Travel" gains global popularity, showcasing the appeal of Chinese culture

In 2024, "China Travel" has become a buzzword on overseas social media where an increasing number of international travelers have posted photos and videos that offer fresh perspectives of the country.

Over the past year, China has expanded its visa-free "circle of friends" to 38 countries, and implemented transit visa-free policies for 54 countries. Chinese tourists can also enjoy visa-free policies from countries such as Singapore and Thailand. By the end of 2024, China extended the stay for transit visa-free visitors to 240 hours, added 21 more ports for transit visa-free entry and exit, and expanded the permitted activity areas.

With these progressive measures in place, the allure of "China Travel" has experienced a remarkable surge. The increasing ease of travel to and from China not only propels economic growth but also nurtures cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, and fosters positive interactions between China and the global community.

Chinese culture is increasingly captivating the interest of international tourists, further enriching their travel experiences and deepening their appreciation for the country's heritage and traditions.

From left: Ye Jiaying, Qiong Yao, and Cheng Pei-pei [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

10. Remembering cultural icons we lost

As we celebrate the year's cultural triumphs, we also remember the loss of several cultural icons who left an indelible mark on China's arts and literature.

Cheng Pei-pei, the pioneering Hong Kong action star, passed away at 78. Known for her chivalric female roles, Cheng was regarded as the first female martial arts performer in Hong Kong cinema. Born in Shanghai in 1946, she moved to Hong Kong in her youth and embarked on a dazzling career, which lasted for around six decades.

Qiong Yao, the beloved romance novelist from Taiwan, passed away at 86. Qiong was regarded as the most popular romance writer in the Chinese-speaking world, and her novels have been adapted into more than 100 films and television series. With a graceful and eloquent style, she crafted intricate, poignant stories reflecting her dreams and unwavering love, establishing contemporary classics that have captivated Chinese-speaking audiences for decades.

Ye Jiaying (Florence Chia-ying Yeh), a renowned scholar of Chinese classical literature, passed away at 100. Yeh was engaged in creating, researching and teaching Chinese poetry both in China and abroad, which she called her sole mission in life. She insisted on teaching even in her 90s, and videos of her lectures went viral on Chinese social media platforms.

Source: China Daily
Editor: Lyu Yun