The Sixth China Digital City Brand Hangzhou Forum, themed ‘Resilience and Renewal: Urban Evolution in the Era of Intelligent Media’, was successfully held on 8-9 November.
The forum was jointly organised by the Digital Communication Research Centre of Zhejiang University, the Institute of Journalism, Media and Social Development at Zhejiang University, the School of Media and International Culture at Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, Zhejiang University City College, the Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory for Intelligent Computing in International Communication, and the Zhejiang Provincial Centre for International Communication. Experts from diverse fields including government, academia, media, and business attended the event.
Professor Wu Hongyu presided over the opening ceremony of the forum.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Professor Wu Hongyu, Deputy Director of the Digital Communication Research Centre and Professor at the School of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University. Professor Wu noted that today's theme is ‘Co-construction, Co-sharing, Co-prosperity: Resilience and Renewal – Urban Evolution in the Era of Intelligent Media’. This theme resonates with two key directions outlined in this year's Central Urban Work Conference: building both ‘vibrant, innovative cities’ and ‘secure, resilient cities’. Professor Huang Dan, Director of Zhejiang University's Digital Communication Research Centre and Senior Professor of Humanities, and Liu Dong, Deputy Inspector of the Zhejiang Provincial Federation of Social Sciences, delivered opening addresses for the forum.
Professor Huang Dan delivers the opening address
Professor Huang Dan emphasised that the prospects for digital city branding are vast. In the digital age, intellectual property should be interwoven with cultural heritage, civic life and the very essence of the city. He expressed hope that this forum would serve as an opportunity to translate theory into practice, thereby supporting teaching, research and creative endeavours across enterprises, universities and other societal entities.
The photograph shows Liu Dong delivering the opening address.
Liu Dong noted that the China City International Communication Influence Index Report stands as one of the most influential assessments of urban international communication effectiveness in the country. It provides crucial decision-making references and practical guidance for enhancing city communications, telling China's stories effectively, deepening mutual learning among civilisations, and presenting a credible, endearing and admirable image of China.
Wei Lu releases the 'China City International Communication Influence Index Report (2025)'
As pivotal vehicles for nation-branding and cross-cultural exchange, cities are emerging as crucial fulcrums in reshaping the international communication landscape. Scientifically assessing the global communication influence of Chinese cities is fundamental to refining international communication systems and enhancing their efficacy. During the release ceremony, Wei Lu, President of Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, Director of Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory for Intelligent Computing in International Communication, and Director of Zhejiang University's Converged Media Research Centre, unveiled the “China City International Communication Influence Index Report (2025)”. Compared to previous editions, this report features significant updates in its indicator system and data collection methodology. It systematically evaluates the international communication influence of Chinese cities and proposes five strategic recommendations: leveraging cutting-edge scientific innovation to drive urban communication upgrades; promoting ecological civilisation to sustain urban development; empowering cultural industries to enhance global city branding; utilising mass sporting events to forge international city profiles; and engaging global creators to invigorate urban innovation narratives.
Regarding specific rankings, the top ten cities in China's international communication influence are Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Macao, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Xi'an. The top ten mainland Chinese cities in international communication influence are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Chongqing, Nanjing, and Xiamen. In the overall rankings, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai retained the top three positions, with Shenzhen entering the top ten. Overall, cities in central and western China demonstrated enhanced communication capabilities, resulting in a more balanced regional distribution.
Mr Wei Lu formally launched the China City International Communication Intelligent Computing Platform, outlining its background, functionalities, and capabilities. The Intelligent Computing Platform for International Communication comprises two components: the China City International Communication Cockpit and the China City International Communication Intelligence System. It possesses three core capabilities: intelligent data analysis, intelligent index calculation, and intelligent report generation. Its three key features are scientific rigour, dynamic adaptability, and intelligent operation. This aligns with national strategic requirements to enhance the influence and communicative power of Chinese civilisation, comprehensively elevate international discourse authority, and effectively tell China's story.
Image: Roundtable Forum on ‘Digital Renewal · Symbolic Resilience: The Great Series of Chinese Painting as Communicative Urban Brand Resources’
The Great Series of Chinese Painting project commenced in 2005 as a key initiative in Zhejiang Province's accelerated development as a cultural powerhouse. With support from various government departments, Zhejiang University collaborated with over 260 cultural and museum institutions worldwide to systematically compile and publish ancient Chinese paintings. Wang Kexin, Research Fellow at Zhejiang University's Digital Communication Research Centre, Zhejiang University ‘Hundred Talents Programme’ Research Fellow, and Academic Deputy Director of the Research Centre for the Preservation and Utilisation of the Chinese Painting Series, chaired the roundtable forum themed ‘Digital Renewal · Symbolic Resilience: The Painting Series as Communicative Urban Brand Resources’. Participants in the roundtable dialogue included: Wei Lu, President of Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory for Intelligent Computing in International Communication, and Director of the Zhejiang University Converged Media Research Centre; Chen Falin, Co-founder and CEO of Guangtongchen Hangzhou Cultural Technology Co., Ltd.; Sun Wei, Director of the Fudan University Centre for Information and Communication Studies and Professor at the Fudan University School of Journalism; Chen Lin, Professor at the School of Communication, Soochow University; and Li Chenghua, Professor at the School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University, and Cultural Envoy.
During the afternoon session on sharing Chinese digital brand communication case studies, experts presented on themes including ‘Media Governance and Algorithmic Cities,’ ‘Risk Communication and Urban Resilience,’ ‘Digital Intelligence Media and Urban Renewal,’ ‘Generation Z and Urban Culture,’ and ‘Cultural IP and Urban International Communication.’ These presentations demonstrated how intelligent media can reshape the resilience and renewal mechanisms of cities, driving theoretical innovation and practical development in the construction of Chinese-style modern cities.