China’s Two Sessions – the annual meetings of its top legislative and advisory bodies – isn’t just about politics. This year, the spotlight is also on how the country’s rich cultural heritage is amplifying its global influence . With innovations blending tradition and tech, China’s soft power is making waves worldwide!
From Peking Opera to TikTok? 

Imagine watching a centuries-old Peking Opera performance through VR goggles or AI-generated scripts. That’s already happening! Artists are reviving classics like Sheng (gentlemen) and Dan (women) roles with futuristic twists, captivating Gen-Z audiences from Tokyo to New York . 'It’s like Taylor Swift meets traditional drama,' says Hamzah Rifaat Hussain of Initiate Futures. 'This fusion keeps history alive while making it relatable.'
Mooncakes & Lion Dances 

Chinese New Year parades in Sydney and Mid-Autumn lantern festivals in Berlin aren’t just local events anymore – they’re global phenomena . At Columbia University, lion dances draw crowds bigger than some K-pop concerts, proving traditions can be trendsetting. 'These festivals aren’t just celebrations – they’re cultural bridges,' says a Beijing-based curator.
Confidence Through Culture 
As debates at the Two Sessions highlight, cultural pride is key to China’s global strategy. From TikTok influencers showcasing calligraphy to fashion designers reimagining qipaos, tradition is getting a modern makeover . For young professionals and diaspora communities, this mix of old and new isn’t just cool – it’s a source of identity. And with 1.4 billion people backing it? That’s a cultural superpower in the making
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Reference(s):
Global popularity of Chinese culture boosts China's confidence
cgtn.com