Making Cultural Relics and Heritage Shine with Even Greater Radiance

The article by Li Qun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, was published in this year's eighth issue of Qiushi Journal. The article emphasizes that double efforts should be devoted to the utilization and protection of cultural relics, as well as the preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage, so that they could shine with even greater radiance in the new era.

The article points out that in October 2023 Xi Jinping thought on culture was officially put forward, which serves as a guide for cultural work of the Party, at a national meeting on the work of public communication and culture. At the meeting on the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage held in December 2023, the central authority made well-conceived arrangements in this regard under the guidance of Xi Jinping thought on culture, and called on relevant departments and staff to shoulder the new cultural mission. These efforts have given great cultural impetus to building China into a great modern socialist country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese path to modernization.

Entering the new era which began in 2012, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made more than 180 statements on cultural relics and heritage, from the strategic perspective of preserving the cultural root of our nation. Around this topic, the themes of group study sessions of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau he presided over include "the latest archaeological findings and their significance"; "carrying forward our revolutionary traditions and heritage by putting resources related to the Party's heritage to great use"; and "advancing the Program to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization."

During his visit to more than 100 cultural relics and historical sites, revolutionary sites, cultural revenues and museums, he gave answers to a series of theoretical and practical issues concerning protecting and utilizing cultural relics and carrying forward cultural heritage. These remarks have deepened our Party's understanding of the laws underpinning the relevant work in the new era. They are not only a model for adhering to the "two integrations" and advancing the innovation of Marxist cultural theories, but an integral part of Xi Jinping thought on culture.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, with the continuous improvement of the institutional framework in this regard, a series of historic achievements, such as the implementation of the Program to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization, have been made. As innovative elements embodied in cultural heritage have been invigorated, a magnificent cultural scroll that depicts the past and present is slowly unfolding in the new era.

To better conduct the relevant work on the new journey of the new era, we must keep firm confidence in our culture, remain open and inclusive, and continue upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground under the guidance of Xi Jinping thought on culture. We should properly handle the relationships between protection, utilization and development of cultural relics and heritage and always put protection first while seeking growth and promote growth while ensuring their protection.

Editor: Yi Xiaowei