Picturing art's past

While technology is definitely revolutionizing the way people experience traditional Chinese arts and culture, their unique development pattern is believed to have been the key to its continued vitality.

"Chinese arts and culture have been in constant dialogue with their history, making progress by building upon their past," says Gao Shiming, an internationally renowned art scholar and president of China Academy of Art. "That's why many of the nation's artistic and cultural traditions are still very much alive today."

Ultimately, these rich artistic and cultural traditions, and their heritage, are not just China's wealth, but belong to humanity, Gao adds. "They will be a cornerstone for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind."

Contact the writers at mazhenhuan@chinadaily.com.cn