Over 3,000 years ago, the first known written form of the word zhongguo, meaning China, appeared on a bronze vessel. Characters, along with taijiquan shadow boxing and food, have long been symbols of Chinese culture. In recent years, however, new cultural icons have emerged as this time-honored culture continues to evolve in the digital era.

From novels to interactive games, traditional culture is being fused with contemporary developments. Take the video game Black Myth: Wukong for instance. Drawing inspiration from Journey to the West, the beloved classical Chinese novel that follows the adventures of a monk and his three disciples, centering on Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, the video game went viral at home and abroad after its launch in August.

Moreover, other forms of online content, such as literature and short dramas, are gaining popularity and yielding profits—while winning international recognition. A report released by the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association in late 2023 read that the total revenue of China's online novel industry reached 31.78 billion yuan ($4 billion) in 2022, up 18.94 percent year on year. Its overseas revenue accounted for 4.06 billion yuan ($562 million), an increase of 39.87 percent year on year. In 2022, the British Library expanded its collection to include 16 Chinese web novels, including Good Spring Time, a story that explores familial love while sharing knowledge about China's porcelain culture.

China aspires to become a culturally strong country by 2035. This vision of strength is not about muscle-flexing but should be understood in the context of the country's journey. With a millennia-old civilization, China experienced a drastic decline beginning in the mid-19th century, weakened by foreign aggression and internal strife. Today, as it taps into its full potential, the country seeks to generate economic and cultural prosperity, addressing domestic needs and promoting global peace and development. 

Many values advocated by traditional Chinese culture remain relevant today. Confucianism, for one, underlines the importance of a people-centered approach and harmony in diversity. When these values are internalized into contemporary society, they will help foster a modern form of culture that not only enriches the character of Chinese citizens but also pushes forward civilizational exchange, contributing to the advancement of the global community.