Culture old and new in focus
Print Edition
SONGJIANG wants to set itself up as an important hub of calligraphy, ancient culture and filmmaking by 2019, according to a newly released three-year government work plan.
Calligraphy
Songjiang native Lu Ji finished the last brushstroke of his calligraphy work “The Story of Ping Fu” more than 1,700 years ago, and today, the 84-character piece has become the emblem of a renaissance in the appreciation of Chinese calligraphy.
Songjiang sees itself as “the cradle of calligraphy,” home to brush-writing professionals and amateurs of all ages.
The southwestern district of Shanghai is, in fact, star-studded with calligraphy and painting masters, including Dong Qichang and Chen Meigong from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and Zhang Zhao from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Another influential calligrapher, Zhao Mengfu (1254-1322), lived in Songjiang for many years.
In 2013, Songjiang was listed among China’s “Cities of Calligraphy” by the Chinese Calligraphers Association. It was both a great honor and another opportunity to promote this ancient art form among a modern-day population.
According to the new plan, classes taught by professional calligraphers will be introduced in all schools, from elementary level through higher education. Students will be required to get a certificate in calligraphy. Public parks, museums and libraries in the district will hold calligraphy exhibitions the year round, and calligraphy contests will be staged.
Ancient culture
Songjiang is the cradle of civilization in Shanghai. It was once home to the Songze, Liangzhu and Guangfulin cultures, which date back 5,800 years.
The Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park is being built on an important archeology site discovered in 1958 by local farmers dredging a new waterway. The park will open to the public by the end of this year.
It will feature more than 20 themed museum areas and memorial halls. Archaeological relics, including pottery, spinning wheels, cooking vessels and dishes, will be displayed.
By 2019, the park will add folk art exhibition halls and a religious cultural display center. A heritage protection area will be formed around certain farmland.
The preservation and restoration of Old Fu City, the Sijing Historic Zone and the Cangqiao Ancient City are underway, with work scheduled for completion by 2019.
Filmmaking
The Shanghai Film Park in Chedun Town, featuring sets designs based on 1930s Shanghai, is one of the major film studios in China.
It contains replicas of venerable landmarks, including the old Wing On Department Store on Nanjing Road, churches, theaters, cafes and even a prison.
By 2019, the park will expand beyond filmmaking and tourism to host a business incubator for artistic start-ups and venues for exhibitions and concerts.
Last year the film park received an investment of 2 billion yuan (US$298 million) from German Studio Babelsberg, a leading European film and TV producer.
The money will be used to upgrading the film park, exchange professional expertise and train staff. There will also be collaboration on co-productions.
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