CCTV program "Chinese Poetry Conference". (Photo/Screenshot from CCTV)
In modern life, however, it seems that classical poetry has been in the doldrums for a long time, with China's ancient verse often only encountered by students studying for the Gaokao college entrance exams. Therefore, the overnight success of this program celebrating poetry has generated wide online discussion.
Many netizens said after watching the TV show, they came to realize the beauty of the Chinese language and classical poetry, with some parents adding that their children have been inspired by the show and have started learning and reciting poems.
On the other hand, experts have been talking about what is behind the sudden enthusiasm for poetry, and how such a show on traditional culture is proving more popular than light entertainment programs.
Zhou Duwen, counselor of the Chinese Poetry Association, was cited by Xinhua News Agency as saying that the show was catering to a growing demand for more content about traditional Chinese culture. Meanwhile, the combination of ancient poetry and a competition-format entertainment show has made it easier for audiences to accept.
China has become the world's second largest economy, and with its rapid growth an increasing number of people have been paying more attention to their spiritual needs, rather than being solely satisfied with material abundance. The rejuvenation of traditional culture is perhaps just one aspect of a new trend forming in the country.
