Changzhou, China’s ‘Reading the City’ Campaign Offers Unique Cultural Experiences, Including Architectural Tours, Historical Walks, and Literary Programs for Locals and Visitors

Published on December 23, 2025

Changzhou, China, is opening its doors to the world, inviting both residents and visitors to engage with its rich cultural tapestry. Since November 2025, the city has launched a remarkable series of public cultural activities under the initiative “Reading the City.” This program, created by the Changzhou Municipal Committee Publicity Department in collaboration with various local agencies, aims to deepen the connection between people and the city’s historical and modern identity. Through this unique campaign, Changzhou seeks to showcase its vibrant culture, architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and artistic endeavors, all while fostering a closer relationship between the residents and their urban environment.

Exploring the Cultural Landscape of Changzhou

Changzhou’s “Reading the City” campaign focuses on five primary cultural themes, each providing a fresh perspective on the city’s development, heritage, and modern identity. These themes, which include architecture, topography, historic brands, literature, and visual media, offer different ways to experience the city, appealing to a diverse range of interests.

1. Changzhou in Architecture: Discovering the City’s Historical and Modern Marvels

The architectural theme of “Changzhou in Architecture” brings the city’s rich history to life, focusing on its ancient structures and modern buildings. Through guided city tours, participants explore the most iconic buildings, learning about their historical significance and architectural styles. This journey also includes drawing sessions, where attendees sketch historical buildings, providing a creative and hands-on approach to understanding the city’s architectural evolution. Adding to this experience is a virtual reality component that allows visitors to interact with historical sites in a modern, immersive way.

2. Changzhou in Toponyms: Understanding the Origins of Street Names and Districts

One of the unique aspects of Changzhou’s cultural heritage is its rich linguistic history, and “Changzhou in Toponyms” explores the origins of the city’s place names. This thematic route invites participants to take guided tours through districts and streets while listening to informative talks that trace the origins and meanings behind these place names. By understanding these names, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural evolution and the historical significance of its neighborhoods.

3. Changzhou in Historic Brands: Celebrating the City’s Long-Standing Businesses

The “Changzhou in Historic Brands” theme focuses on the city’s long-standing businesses and brands that have contributed to its identity over the years. Participants in this theme have the opportunity to visit selected shops, markets, and business establishments that have stood the test of time. These visits highlight the cultural importance of these historic brands, which continue to thrive and shape the local economy. The theme also emphasizes the balance between preserving tradition and embracing modernity in Changzhou’s business landscape.

4. Changzhou in Books: Exploring the City’s Literary Heritage

“Changzhou in Books” brings the city’s literary culture to the forefront. Through a partnership with the Dongpo Cultural Alliance and writer residency programs, this theme highlights the literary heritage of Changzhou. Participants are invited to explore literary landmarks, attend book readings, and engage with local writers who share stories about the city’s rich literary tradition. This theme fosters an appreciation for Changzhou’s written history and the role that literature has played in shaping the city’s identity.

5. Changzhou in Light and Shadow: The City Through Visual Media

The final theme, “Changzhou in Light and Shadow,” takes visitors on a journey through the city’s visual representation in films and art. Through public film screenings and digital art exhibitions, this theme explores how Changzhou has been depicted in visual media throughout the years. Visitors can experience the city through the lens of filmmakers and artists, gaining new insights into how the city has evolved and how it is portrayed in popular culture.

Engaging with Changzhou: Six Themed Bus Routes Connecting the City’s Cultural Icons

One of the highlights of the “Reading the City” program is the introduction of six themed bus routes that take visitors on a cultural journey through Changzhou’s most significant neighborhoods and historical sites. These bus routes include:

• Cultural Roots Route: Focuses on Changzhou’s ancient history and cultural heritage, connecting participants with historical landmarks and monuments.
• Craftsmanship Heritage Route: Highlights the city’s traditional craftsmanship and local artisanal businesses, offering a glimpse into the skills that have been passed down through generations.
• Canal Charm Route: Takes visitors along the famous canals of Changzhou, exploring the city’s waterways and their role in shaping the urban landscape.
• Rural Beauty Route: Offers an opportunity to explore the picturesque rural areas surrounding Changzhou, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
• Yangtze River Views Route: Focuses on the river’s significance in Changzhou’s development, connecting visitors with sites that offer breathtaking views of the mighty Yangtze River.
• Industrial Legacy Route: Explores Changzhou’s industrial past and present, highlighting the city’s role as a key manufacturing hub in China.

Each bus route is designed to connect residents and tourists with the cultural, historical, and industrial facets of the city, offering an immersive way to explore Changzhou from multiple perspectives.

Fostering Greater Participation with Daily Benefits and Incentives

The city is also working to increase public participation by offering various incentives and daily benefits. As part of the initiative, participants can access discounts for public transportation, movie tickets, books, and even special offers at local stores. By integrating cultural programming with everyday activities, the campaign aims to make culture a part of daily life, encouraging people to engage with their city in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Promoting Changzhou’s Cultural Identity to the World

Changzhou’s “Reading the City” campaign is not just about celebrating the past; it’s about building a deeper connection between the residents, visitors, and the city itself. By combining modern technology with traditional cultural exploration, this initiative offers an enriching experience for everyone involved. Through these public cultural activities, Changzhou hopes to share its rich cultural history with the world and strengthen its identity as a city that values both its heritage and its future.

In conclusion, Changzhou is a city that embraces both its past and present, offering a unique opportunity to explore its rich cultural landscape. Whether you are drawn to the city’s architecture, history, literature, or visual media, there is something for everyone in this diverse and dynamic city. With the “Reading the City” campaign, Changzhou invites you to dive deeper into its cultural roots and experience the city in a way that is both engaging and educational. Come and explore Changzhou – a city where history and modernity meet in a vibrant and meaningful way.