Nanjing transforms its literary legacy into a modern marvel
Project: promoting Nanjing as a City of Literature powered by technology
The Purpose
TheCity of Literature Development Programme, running from 2020 to 2023, was a creative way of developing both local and tourist interest. The project aimed to build a network of public literary spaces, with a hub space, multiple interconnected ‘literature +’ spaces, and a city-wide network of literary spaces.
The Challenge
Nanjing was formerly the home of China’s oldest literary museum and aims to capitalize on this aspect of its history, using it as a foundation for local and tourist engagement.
The Solution
More than 1000 venues across the city are involved in the scheme, including cultural attractions, memorials, book stores and arts venues. Tourists can access them by scanning QR codes found across Nanjing. An online version, ‘Exploring the City of Literature,’ is available, drawing on the knowledge of 200 literary experts, editors and volunteers. Additionally, 200 famous cultural figures of the past and 1000 literary references are part of the online library, linked to a map which helps people explore on the ground. This has been promoted through major platforms like TikTok, Zhihu and Dedao. Under the guidance of the City’s Publicity Department, the former site of the first literature museum in Chinese history has been transformed into the Nanjing World Literature Hall. This site links Nanjing to a global network of Cities of Literature, as well as the city-wide network of literature spaces.
The Impact
The project has been planned and implemented with the cooperation of various government departments and socially responsible cultural enterprises. It has been especially innovative in using advanced digital technologies including artificial intelligence, Big Data and GIS positioning, to power the digital cultural tourism initiative. To date, more than 30,000 citizens and tourists are engaged in the offline landmark QR code scanning, touring and consumption through Wechat. Through large-scale partnerships, co-production and licensing, Nanjing’s identity as a City of Literature has built an international reputation and greater visibility alongside other Cities of Literature across the world.
Source: World Cities Culture Report 2022
Image Courtesy © Getty/Canva
