Deng Xiaoping's praise for Zhuhai is top cultural card

After two months of deliberations, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had the final say on what would be the top Zhuhai Cultural Card.

The inscription "The Zhuhai Special Economic Zone is Good," written on Jan 29, 1984 by the Chinese revolutionary, politician, and chief designer of Reform & Opening-Up, was announced the winner on Sept 27.

Deng's writing was closely followed by the Zhuhai Fisher Maiden statue in Jida and the biennial China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China.

Proving to be a strong favorite among locals is Rong Hong (Yung Wing) (1828-1912), the forefather of overseas study and also a famous educator, diplomat, and social activist native to what is now Zhuhai.

Picturesque Lovers Avenue in Xiangzhou District also ranked high as another name card of the city. Major manufacturer Gree Electric Appliances headquartered in Qianshan and the Hengqin-based Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort were hailed for economic and innovative contributions. 

Inscription by Deng Xiaoping Jan 29, 1984

One of China's Famous Historical & Cultural Towns, Tangjiawan Town has also been recognized as a calling card as has the Zhuhai Opera House on Yeli Island, Xiangzhou. The list also includes the annual Zhuhai International Beach Music Festival, which takes place this year at Haibin Beach for the 15th time.

Finalists were selected from among 265 nominations and recommendations from the public. They covered tourist resources, regional landmarks, historic figures and role models, economic and industrial sectors, deeds and events, relics and legacies, culture and art.

The top 30 entries were selected in a preliminary evaluation by city experts and went through two rounds of internet balloting and reassessment. The process attracted 659,824 votes. 

Zhuhai Fisher Maiden statue

Those not among the top 10 were recognized as Zhuhai Cultural Cards. They include Su Zhaozheng (1885-1929), an early-phase leader of the Communist Party of China who also led the General Strike of Hong Kong; Yang Pao'an (1896-1931), who was also known as Lintao or Jintao, an outstanding early theorist of the Communist Party of China; and Lin Weimin (1887-1927), a pioneer of China's Labor Movement born in Sanzao Town of Jinwan District. The three figures are remembered for their dedication to Chinese rights.

Also honored were the Wanshan Archipelago Tour, Baojing Bay Rock Carvings, and state-level intangible cultural heritage On-Water Wedding.

Some 100 scholars and audience members took part in the announcement ceremony. Attendees included Wang Xiao, president and the secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Guangdong Federation of Social Science Circles; and Long Guangyan, a member of the Standing Committee of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and director of the Publicity Department who headed the selection organizing committee. 

Airshow China [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]

The program, sponsored by the Publicity Department of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and Zhuhai Federation of Social Science Circles, promotes the city's high-valued carriers of culture and history. The Guangdong Federation of Social Science Circles and Culture Association of Guangdong Province guided the implementation.