The Changshuo Guli scenic area in Zhangwu town in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhangwu town in Anji county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, is the hometown of Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), a master artist of the late Qing Dynasty (1840-1921).

As the first president of the Xiling Seal Art Society, Wu was known for his prowess in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, garnering admiration worldwide, especially in Japan and South Korea.

By tapping into the rich culture spawned by Wu, known as Changshuo culture, Zhangwu has been developing its "Zheli Changshuo" cultural brand, establishing itself as a pivotal hub for international cultural exchange.

Zhangwu has established collaborations with esteemed domestic and international cultural institutions like the Xiling Seal Art Society, China National Society for the Promotion of Arts and Culture, Shanghai Wu Changshuo Memorial Hall, and Kitakyushu Japanese Calligraphy Association, expanding the reach of Changshuo culture.

Changshuo culture has also been integrated into the bamboo fan-making industry — a century-old tradition in the town, as an effort to strengthen the research and design of derivative products of the culture.

Recognized for their utility, artistic value, and aesthetic appeal, Changshuo culture fans were designated as official products for the 2008 Olympic Games.

In recent five years, Zhangwu has hosted over 20 cultural events, including the "Wu Changshuo International Art Award" and the "Wu Changshuo International Art Forum", and more than 20 online and offline scholarly seminars, elevating the global resonance of Changshuo culture.