On April 18, the 2026 Weibo Culture Night successfully concluded in Zhengzhou. The event brought together prominent cultural figures, historians, sports champions, and entertainment stars, including Shan Jixiang, Ma Boyong, Liao Changyong, and Wang Peiyu. Centered around culture as a unifying theme, the gathering fostered discussions on the contemporary inheritance and innovative development of Yellow River culture.
During the ceremony, twenty categories of cultural honors were announced, comprehensively covering fields such as intangible cultural heritage protection, innovation in museums and cultural relics, and literary creation. These included awards like "Weibo Annual Cultural Heritage Inheritor," "Weibo Annual Outstanding Cultural Influence Figure," and "Weibo Annual Influential Writer."
Nine guardians of intangible cultural heritage were honored as "Weibo Annual Cultural Heritage Inheritors." Practitioners such as Zhou Jin (dedicated to the非遗马面裙), Liu Yuwei (inheritor of Henan's非遗面塑), Li Xiaofang (Mongolian leather carving artisan), and Axi Wuzhimo (Yi embroidery expert) took the stage together, demonstrating the enduring power of cultural transmission.
In the realm of high-quality content, performance IPs including the stage play "Tai Bai Jin Xing Is A Bit Annoyed," the live show "Tian Han Legend," and the musical "Must-Drive in This Lifetime" were recognized as "Weibo Annual Cultural Performance IPs." These works have revitalized ancient skills in modern theaters and resonated with contemporary audiences by bringing stories from classical texts to life.
Additionally, television programs like "Paris Partners" and "Guardians of the Forbidden City" were awarded "Weibo Annual Cultural TV Program," while the interview series "Chen Luyu: Slow Talks" received "Weibo Annual Cultural Interview Program," collectively showcasing diverse pathways for cultural dissemination.
Dong Zhe, Liu Jun, and Yu Gengzhe were named "Weibo Annual Cultural Artisan Figures." Wei Xin and Zhang Yiwu were honored as "Weibo Annual Cultural Communication Influence Figures." Jiang Shengnan, Liang Zhenhua, and Ma Boyong were recognized as "Weibo Annual Cultural Influence Figures," while Li Er, Liu Liangcheng, and Ouyang Jianghe received the title of "Weibo Annual Influential Writers."
The evening's top honor, "Weibo Annual Outstanding Cultural Influence Figure," was awarded to world-renowned baritone Liao Changyong and Li Jingze, Vice Chairman of the China Writers Association. Both individuals have significantly contributed to the protection and promotion of Chinese culture, serving as inspirations and key communicators of China's outstanding traditional heritage.
Industry experts noted that the successful hosting of the 2026 Weibo Culture Night signifies further recognition of Weibo's value in the "social media + culture" sector. The event's success also provides a new model for digital platforms to collaborate with urban cultural ecosystems. This evolving approach opens broader avenues for the modern expression of traditional heritage, effectively achieving a mutual enhancement between digital empowerment and the soft power of urban culture.
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