Scholars explore new paths for rural vitalization at Peking University

Lu Tao, a professor at the China Academy of Art, examined how emerging technologies are reshaping cultural industries. Through examples from digital art exhibitions, he proposed a framework integrating artificial intelligence, contextual intelligence and manufacturing intelligence to support innovation rooted in traditional culture.

Wang Sha, deputy director of the Research Institute of Better China Initiative at the China Academy of Art, argues that rural development should not rely solely on quantitative indicators but should also rebuild emotional ties between people and the land.

Wang Fang, a professor at Peking University's College of Architecture and Landscape, presented research on mapping and monitoring China's traditional villages through data-driven models, proposing a new framework for systematic heritage preservation.

Wang Liyun, associate professor at Zhejiang Gongshang University, summarized three major approaches to cultural rural vitalization — resource activation, investment in people and institutional empowerment — and stressed the importance of recognizing culture as an asset rather than a byproduct of development.

Additionally, the workshop featured two roundtable discussions on "Culture Empowerment and Local Development" and "Digital Intelligence and Rural Vitalization".

Against the backdrop of mounting global challenges, participants noted that rural vitalization through culture is evolving from a localized practice into a broader intellectual and social movement.