The 2024 Dongpo Culture and Art Week is underway in Yixing, Jiangsu province, aiming to draw attention to the preservation of cultural relics and enhance the protection of historical sites associated with the literary genius Su Dongpo.

Su Dongpo, one of China's most famous ancient poets, has a deep connection to Yixing, where he not only left many traces of his life but also many well-known and widely appreciated poems.

More than 300 representatives from 12 cities nationwide, including government officials, experts, scholars and cultural tourism representatives, gathered in Yixing for the opening ceremony on Saturday.

Zhao Jianjun, mayor of Wuxi, highlighted Su's values of practical patriotism, broad-mindedness, cultural emphasis, deep affection and pastoral interests.

"We are committed to collaborating on the development of the 'Dongpo Travel' cultural heritage tour route, offering an immersive Dongpo cultural experience and establishing the Dongpo Culture and Art Week as a prominent cultural symbol," he said.

With the goal of creating a cultural ancient city in which historical heritage harmonizes with modern civilization, Yixing will present a diverse range of activities from June to August.

They will include an authentic Su Dongpo exhibition and a cultural exploration journey dedicated to the poet, which promises to be a unique cultural celebration, the local government said.