2025 Beijing Culture Forum kicks off

The 2025 Beijing Culture Forum opened Tuesday, bringing together about 800 Chinese and international participants to discuss the integrated development of culture and technology.

Jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, and the Beijing municipal government, the two-day forum is held under the permanent theme of "inheritance, innovation and mutual learning." This year's focus is "integration of culture and technology."

The forum features a main session, six parallel forums, and over 20 salons dedicated to special cultural fields. Topics on the agenda include the use of digital tools to safeguard cultural heritage, the role of technology in inspiring creative industries, and the integration of new technologies to enhance public cultural services.

Organizers said the forum aims to facilitate international dialogue and cultural cooperation, and build a bridge for exchange in line with the Global Civilization Initiative.

Over the course of the forum, officials from cultural agencies, prominent scholars, representatives of global cultural institutions and companies, and cultural figures will share insights on how technology is reshaping cultural production and exchange.

In addition to the formal sessions, the program includes cultural investment conferences, achievement showcases, and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration between cultural institutions, businesses, and policymakers.

Highlights include the release of "The Report on China's Cultural Exchanges with the World (2024)" and the announcement of the top 10 events in building Beijing as a national cultural center in 2024. 

The forum takes place alongside other cultural initiatives in Beijing. The 11-day "The Temple of Earth and Me" Beijing Book Fair concluded on Sept. 22, drawing more than 550,000 visitors. Next month, the Beijing People's Art Theatre will launch the 2025 BPAT International Theatre Festival, presenting more than 50 performances and activities from Oct. 11 to Nov. 26.