Poly Group is Writing a New Chapter in Cultural Prosperity
One central axis carries a millennium of Chinese heritage. The successful inscription of Beijing’s Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage site showcases a spirit of inclusivity and a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, allowing the world to feel the enduring vitality of Chinese culture. This achievement is propelling traditional culture beyond its boundaries and shining a spotlight on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. With the commitment of a central enterprise, Poly Group continues to write new chapters of cultural prosperity.
Poly’s Presence on the Central Axis
Drawing inspiration from the architectural ensemble along Beijing’s Central Axis, as well as the rich histories, cultures, and traditional craftsmanship behind it, Poly Group leverages its unique cultural resources to showcase the enduring charm of Chinese heritage in a variety of creative ways, including the design of diplomatic gifts, management of cultural venues, and the planning and promotion of cultural performances.
Four cultural products, creatively designed by China Silk Corporation under Poly International and China Arts Oriental under China National Arts & Crafts, were selected as official diplomatic gifts of Beijing city. These products showcase the cultural allure of Beijing’s Central Axis to friends from around the world.
The four diplomatic gifts of Beijing – Beijing Central Axis (intangible cultural heritage paper sculpture), Glimpses of the Dragon Vein (Beijing-themed silk scarf), Temple of Heaven (silk brocade framed art), and Summer Palace (scroll painting) – use modern technology to incorporate elements of the Central Axis and its iconic extensions. These include ancient landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, and the Summer Palace. The designs seamlessly blend these historic architectural and garden motifs into the artworks. The pieces also harmonize traditional Chinese color palettes with contemporary aesthetics, creating a unique cultural charm.
The Central Axis is not only a cultural line but also a line of development. Poly Group actively participates in the management and operations of various cultural venues along the Central Axis, as well as in the planning of cultural events and performances. In doing so, Poly Group has become both a witness to and a contributor to the vibrant life of this urban axis.
Poly Culture, through its Beijing Zhongshan Park Music Hall, has developed high-quality programs such as the “Forbidden City Ancient Music Season.” Poly International Cinema (Tiananmen) hosts numerous themed movie screenings, while the Time Museum offers art classes, seminars, and other cultural services. These “Central Axis landmarks” have become platforms for the public to explore history, experience intangible cultural heritage, and engage with traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, Poly Culture brings the charm of traditional culture to a wider audience through initiatives like the “Jing·Essence” short video series, the “Sing Along the Axis” mass choir, and the “Opera Enriches the Axis” online performance.
Poly’s Role in Revitalizing Intangible Cultural Heritage
As a guardian of the Central Axis and a promoter of countless cultural treasures, Poly Group has been at the forefront of revitalizing intangible cultural heritage through innovative approaches. Over the years, Poly has leveraged diverse resources to unlock fresh potential in bringing intangible heritage into the modern era.
China National Arts & Crafts blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, creating a unique creative IP character known as “Gongmei Sister.” They have designed a range of cultural products such as the Ancient Architecture Stamps of the Central Axis series, Beijing Central Axis Folded Stamp Book, Central Axis Journals, the National Gift Display Set, and the Yearly Blessings gemstone bracelet. These creations introduce more people to the beauty of intangible cultural heritage, helping them to see, understand, and fall in love with these traditions, while supporting the ongoing preservation and innovation of China’s rich cultural legacy.
Poly’s Commitment to Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation
Nurturing a fertile cultural foundation and strengthening the roots of heritage, Poly Group takes on the mission of promoting traditional Chinese culture. It focuses on development pathways such as “Intangible Heritage + Education” and “Intangible Heritage + Rural Revitalization,” helping to bring intangible cultural heritage into communities, schools, and rural areas.
Poly has developed the “Harmonious China” series of activities, featuring a diverse array of themed events. These initiatives invite renowned figures from traditional cultural fields such as opera and calligraphy, along with intangible heritage practitioners like those of the Guangdong Lion Dance, to interpret traditional culture and showcase intangible cultural skills. This allows more people to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture right in their own communities.
China National Arts & Crafts has launched aesthetic education initiatives such as the “Born from Beauty” program, initiated the “Intangible Heritage in Schools” demonstration project, and created the “China Goalmark·Yixiang” hands-on experience space. These efforts aim to integrate the arts and crafts into everyday life, taking root in the hearts of children.
Poly Culture has launched the “Cultural Poly Benefits Villages” project to promote the dissemination of intangible cultural heritage arts such as Hequ folk songs and the Er Ren Tai performance. It also undertakes the national tour operations for the dual intangible heritage dance drama “Yong Chun,” enabling more people to see, hear, and feel the essence of national intangible heritage and Lingnan folk culture. Furthermore, Poly has co-produced films like “Lion Dance Sisters,” which focuses on national intangible cultural heritage themes, helping to spread intangible heritage and the spirit of China overseas.
Chinese culture has a long and rich history, and Chinese civilization is profound and vast. In the future, Poly Group will continue to uphold its original mission, supporting the inheritance and development of historical culture and enriching the spiritual and cultural lives of the public.