Last year, documentary "Masters in the Forbidden City" brought the painstaking work of restorers in Beijing's Palace Museum into homes across the nation. Work on the priceless collection of antiques and historical relics is endless, and the show was watched by millions online. The sumptuous celebration of Chinese cuisine "A Bite of China" became something of national and international sensation, not merely reminding people of the food their grandmothers once cooked, but inspiring many to spend less time swiping up fast food deliveries on their smartphones and to return to their kitchens and start banging their forgotten woks.
"There is a lot to explore in Chinese culture, and popular TV shows have boosted the cultural confidence of the public, giving them a new sense of identity," said political advisor Gao Hongbo.
TIMELESS JOY
Such has been the success of economic development in the country, that people now have both time and energy to draw breath and reconsider what truly makes them who they are, and what makes China the nation it is.
In February, the Ministry of Culture released a guideline on cultural development reform during the 13th Five-Year Plan period from 2016 to 2020. The document demands more rich and diverse cultural products of higher quality, wider coverage of public events and a stronger focus on the traditional skills, events and activities which, for hundreds or even thousands of years, have defined China.
Hit TV shows are regarded as just one way to expand the reach of China's traditions, especially to those younger people who have grown up in circumstances which are often greatly removed, in both time and space, from their cultural roots.
Tsinghua University's Yin Hong believes that innovative content and form has helped raise culture awareness among the public. Many of these traditional practices exist for one reason alone: to entertain people. They should never be seen as cultural artifacts, but must be relevant, full of life and bring joy to participants and observers alike.
NPC deputy Gao Yijin says it is the role of the media to fairly present the importance and beauty of Chinese culture and to make sure that public realize its true value.
Despite the current rise of traditional culture, many at the Two Sessions hope for greater depth to the renaissance that can only be achieved through education.
Schools have already shifted toward greater cultural content in their curricula, such as classical literature, festivals, drama, dance and song. However, Minister of Education Chen Baosheng expects more to be done.
Addressing the media during the Two Sessions, Chen said traditions need to be integrated into textbooks and to be taught and celebrated from primary school until college and beyond.
