Shenyang, capital of Northeast China’s Liaoning province, has been promoting the development of its cultural industry in recent years, according to officials.

Wang Jing, vice-president of the Shenyang literature and art association, said that culture and artwork should develop at the same pace as the times.

Shenyang, as a traditional industrial center, also boasts a colorful traditional culture and the city should inherit and promote that culture, according to Wang.

The Shenyang literature and art association has organized a wide range of cultural exhibitions, expos, and meetings of artists to promote Shenyang culture, such as the culture of qipao –– the traditional Chinese body-hugging, one-piece dress, also known in Cantonese as the cheongsam –– and the culture of Manchu embroidery.

The first China qipao cultural festival, organized by the Shenyang literature and art association and Shenyang municipal publicity department, was held in Shenyang in May this year, during which more than 30 activities were held, including promotional activities for Manchu embroidery.

It was part of Shenyang’s efforts to inherit, promote and make innovations for traditional culture, officials said.

A file photo of the first China qipao cultural festival held in Shenyang, Liaoning province, in May [Photo/IC]