Taicang’s theatre, library, cultural center, museum and media centre go into use in 2011.

On August 8, 2011, the inauguration ceremony of Taicang’s theatre, library, cultural center and museum was held in Taicang’s theatre. On November 18, the inauguration ceremony of the Taicang Media Centre was held. The establishment of these buildings serve as indicators of Taicang’s cultural development, reflecting the ambition of Taicang people.

Service improvement

As a national first-class library, the Taicang library features over 800,000 volumes and a great environment. Mottos from famous people about reading have been put up on the wall on the third floor. In the public area, more sofas have been added. In the parent-child reading area, all the pillars have been wrapped with colorful sponges for child safety. The construction of Taicang’s theatre makes it possible for Taicang residents to enjoy wonderful art performances near home. Audiences experienced the charm of high art in the Oscar Classic Movie Symphony Concert by the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. Later concerts, dances, dramas and local operas were well-received among Taicang audiences.

Public cultural facilities cover both urban and rural areas

Since the new culture centre opened, the Taicang government has strengthened art training and tutoring, encouraging the creation of art through government purchase of cultural products and resources in the centre. The culture centre also serves as a platform for amateurs to perform and interact. As the only local comprehensive museum in Taicang, the new culture centre, in the shape of a round barn, shows Taicang’s historical and cultural essence. The public can also know more history through the museum’s exhibition of cultural relics.

The whole project cost 490 million yuan ($80.42 million) and covers 46 mu (3.07 hectares) of land with a floorage of 64,000 square meters. After initial research and planning, the project started on December 28, 2008. About two years later, it was completed and put into use, greatly improving Taicang’s cultural infrastructure and accelerating cultural development.

With Taicang’s news industry booming, the Taicang Media Centre began construction on December 28, 2008. It cost 380 million yuan and covers 33 mu of land with a floorage of 40,000 square meters. It will be home to several media outlets, including Taicang Broadcasting Corporation, Taicang Daily and Taicang News.

Recently, Taicang established a public culture service system covering both urban and rural areas. Now, Taicang’s public cultural facilities cover 148,100 square meters, 0.32 square meters per capita. The average number of books per person in public libraries is 1.2 volumes. Taicang’s theatre, library, cultural center and museum will help promote the sharing of public cultural resources.