Song Yingxing
1. Song Yingxing and "Heavenly Creation"
Song Yingxing, born in 1587, was a native of Fengxin, Jiangxi, a scientist in the late Ming Dynasty, and Tang Xianzu and Bada Shanren constituted the three outstanding figures in Jiangxi in the late Ming Dynasty. In 1615, he failed to take the last six examinations, and the intention of the imperial examination was extinguished. In 1634, he served as the Fenyi Governor of Jiangxi, in 1638 he was the governor of Tingzhou Prefecture in Fujian, in 1641 he was the governor of Bozhou, Anhui Province, and in 1644 he abandoned his official position and returned to Fengxin, lived in seclusion, spent his old age in poverty, and died in 1666 at the age of 80. Song Yingxing taught in Jiangxi Fenyi for 4 years, which was the most important stage of his life. Based on his long-term accumulation, in-depth social observation and technical research, he wrote the book "Heavenly Creations". "Heavenly creation" means that nature and artificiality work together to create all things. It not only reflects the level of scientific and technological development in China during the Ming Dynasty, but also is an important witness to the socio-economic and technological structural changes in the Ming Dynasty.
The book contains 18 volumes of text and 123 illustrations, including 18 volumes of text and 123 illustrations, and contains detailed information on agriculture, handicrafts, such as machinery, bricks, ceramics, sulfur, candles, paper, weapons, gunpowder, textiles, dyeing, salt making, coal mining, oil extraction, and other production techniques and production tools. Its content not only covers the process technology, but also integrates the cultural and social concepts of the time, such as the idea of "following the model of heavenly work, ingenious workmanship" put forward in the book, which not only reflects the simple materialist and dialectical thoughts, but also reflects the views and methods of natural ecological philosophy. This idea is in line with the idea of ecological civilization construction, and shows the continued influence and importance of "Heavenly Creation" in contemporary society. "Heavenly Creations" can be called the encyclopedia of Chinese crafts in the 17th century, which was widely disseminated and had a great influence in modern Eastern and Western countries. In the 19th century, the British biologist Charles Darwin called "Heavenly Creations" an "authoritative work", and the contemporary British historian of science Joseph Needham called Song Yingxing "China's Diderot".
The relationship between Tiangong Kaiwu and Xinyu City is profound and unique, and the writing and publication of this work took place during Song Yingxing's tenure as a Fenyi Teacher, and it reflects the richness of China's technology and natural resources in the middle and late Ming Dynasty. For example, the depiction of the harrow diagram in the book shows the unique farming methods of the Xinyu area, and the description of the weaving mill and the production process of aloe vera is highly consistent with the reality of Shuanglin Town, Fenyi County, showing the unique agriculture and handicraft industry of the Xinyu area. The records of the History of the Ming Dynasty and the Jiangxi Iron and Steel Chronicles also confirm the importance of iron smelting in Fenyi County in the Ming Dynasty, and provide rich field investigation materials for Song Yingxing's works. At that time, the Lingshan Imperial Library of Fenyi provided Song Yingxing with valuable reference materials, enabling him to compile important works such as "Heavenly Creations" during his tenure as a teacher. Therefore, Xinyu is not only the birthplace of "Heavenly Creation", but also the inspiration for Song Yingxing's creation. Xinyu's natural resources, geographical environment, and cultural background have profoundly influenced the content and characteristics of this work. In the process of promoting the construction of an ecological civilization city, Xinyu should study "Tiangong Culture" as the theme culture of the city, and deeply explore the contemporary value of "Tiangong Culture".
Second, the development status of Xinyu City's "Tiangong Kaiwu" culture
First, a number of measures have been taken to promote development. Since 2010, the Xinyu Municipal Government has carried out experimental cultivation of Tiangong cultural industry in Kongmujiang New District, invested 100,000 yuan in the international registration of Tiangong Kaiwu trademark, and established Jiangxi Tiangong Kaiwu Cultural Communication Company with an investment of 3 million yuan. Since 2008, the focus has been on the development of tourism commodities and cultural and creative products, which have achieved remarkable results in exhibitions inside and outside the city, with annual sales of 30 million yuan. At the same time, the promotion of Tiangong culture also involves the naming of urban roads, landmark buildings and venues, such as "Tiangong Avenue" and "Kaiwu Avenue", which not only enhances the popularity of Tiangong culture, but also promotes the integration of culture and city image.
The second is to establish a cultural industry park to promote rapid development. Xinyu Tiangong Cultural and Creative Industry Park, established in 2010, has become one of the key platforms for the development of Xinyu Tiangong cultural industry. The park not only successfully attracted 11 cultural enterprises to settle in, and in 2012 received 3 million yuan of support funds from the provincial agglomeration area, and in 2013 was rated as a provincial cultural industry demonstration base, the park promoted the further development of Tiangong cultural industry.
The third is to hold relevant cultural festivals and create literary and artistic works. In 2011, the first China (Xinyu) Tiangong Cultural Festival was held, which improved the popularity of Tiangong culture. The animated series "Tiangong Kaiwu - Happy Island" broadcast in 2012 and the documentary "Tiangong Kaiwu" broadcast in 2017 were both broadcast on CCTV, effectively expanding the influence of Tiangong culture.
The fourth is to promote the development of Tiangong IP industry. Xinyu City has established the Tiangong Cultural Research Institute, completed the design of the city's image logo, and carried out the publicity of large-scale art projects, which has provided a foundation for the diversification and innovation of Xinyu City's cultural industry.
Xinyu City. Image source: Xinyu Rong Media Center (Xinyu City Radio and Television Station) reporter Wu Yanyue photo
Fifth, government support and strategic layout have been deepened. Jiangxi Province and Xinyu City have given strong support to the development of Tiangong IP. At the end of 2018, Jiangxi Province proposed the Tiangong cultural industry, and the Propaganda Department of the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee conducted a special investigation on the "Tiangong Kaiwu" brand, and established a coordination mechanism to promote the relevant cultural and creative products of Tiangong culture in key scenic spots and large-scale places throughout the province. In 2023, Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Performance Group will hire the famous director Lu Chuan to direct the drama "Heavenly Creations" and officially start rehearsals.
However, we must also be soberly aware of the shortcomings, for a long time, the evaluation of Song Yingxing is low, the "Tiangong Kaiwu" culture is not deep, the degree of development and utilization of Tiangong cultural resources is not high, the investment is less, the influence of Tiangong cultural brand is not large, the cultural content of Tiangong tourism products is insufficient, and the cultural tourism professionals are relatively scarce.
3. "Heavenly Creations" and the development of cultural tourism
First, clear positioning. In the process of promoting and developing the cultural tourism brand of "Tiangong Kaiwu", it is necessary to clarify the brand positioning of Tiangong culture and adopt a series of innovative measures and strategies. First, improve the understanding of Song Yingxing and his books, which is the premise of doing a good job in Tiangong culture. In the past, we evaluated historical and cultural celebrities, first look at academic qualifications, then look at official positions, and finally look at political achievements, military merits, and works, Song Yingxing always ranked behind, and today in the context of vigorously developing science and technology in the country, Song Yingxing's historical status should be greatly improved, and Xinyu City should put it in the first important position. Second, strengthen the construction of a cultural city super IP system with "Heavenly Creation" as the core. Through the integration of cultural elements with urban construction, brand building, logo design, literary and artistic display, etc., a distinctive Tiangong cultural ecological environment and communication and display system are gradually constructed. Third, create a cultural city logo system with "Heavenly Creation" as the core. Actively cultivate "unicorn" seed projects with the characteristics of "Tiangong Kaiwu", cultivate local cultural and creative enterprises and individuals with potential, integrate development momentum, strengthen cultural copyright protection, comprehensively promote the construction of the city's "Tiangong Kaiwu" cultural copyright system, and shape the city into a representative and symbol of "Tiangong Kaiwu" culture. Fourth, a unique humanistic system led by "Heavenly Creations" will be formed. The culture of "Tiangong Kaiwu" is combined with regional characteristic cultures such as Qixi culture, bouldering culture, Xiabu culture, and steel culture to further enhance the cultural influence of Xinyu City at home and abroad.
Image source: Photo by Zhao Chunliang, reporter of Xinyu Rong Media Center (Xinyu Radio and Television Station).
The second is to dig deeper. The historical materials and cultural connotations of Song Yingxing's "Heavenly Creations" should be deeply excavated to provide a solid historical foundation for the development of cultural brands. First, conduct a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of "Heavenly Creations". Strengthen the collation, collection and research of existing documents, relevant oral histories, related cultural relics and cultural fragments. Through the restoration and restoration of relevant documents, early versions and scenic spots, Song Yingxing's thoughts and the background of the times are fully displayed, documentaries and cartoons about Tiangong culture are continuously broadcast, the crew of "Tiangong Kaiwu" is invited to perform, and extensive exhibitions and publicity activities related to Song Yingxing and "Tiangong Kaiwu" are carried out, so as to enhance the public's understanding and understanding of the various technologies, processes and production processes in "Tiangong Kaiwu". Second, the in-depth development of "Tiangong Kaiwu" cultural products, from a single tourism product to the development of diversified cultural and creative products, such as postcards, calligraphy scrolls, Ming Dynasty labor production tools, souvenirs, etc., the "Tiangong Kaiwu" culture and other surrounding cultures combined, reproduction and collaborative development, enhance the diversity and attractiveness of cultural products. Third, strengthen the study of Song Yingxing's "Heavenly Creation" system. Select and transfer professionals from all parties, establish the "Song Yingxing Research Association", strengthen leadership, cooperate with Fengxin, Tingzhou, Bozhou and other places, excavate Song Yingxing's historical materials, jointly build tourism routes, and strengthen the activation and application of ancient books.
The third is to build a Tiangong Park. Using the rich cultural connotation of "Tiangong Kaiwu", we will create a cultural park with the theme of "Tiangong Kaiwu" - Tiangong Park, and transform the historical and cultural essence of "Tiangong Kaiwu" into a cultural tourism experience that can be watched, experienced and interacted. It is necessary to increase investment into the new country, cooperate with Huaqiang Fangte, OCT and other companies among the top 30 cultural enterprises in the country, and deeply cooperate with the team of the famous director Lu Chuan's "Tiangong Kaiwu", refine the core elements of "Tiangong Kaiwu", and use the latest digital technology to create a new generation of high-tech theme parks covering theme amusement projects, leisure landscape projects, and sci-fi interactive projects. In the garden, it is necessary to embody the beauty of ancient science and technology devices, craftsmanship, and craftsmen, and carry forward the spirit of craftsmen in a great country. Through the combination of online and offline, the historical and cultural resources will be transformed into specific cultural and creative products, new tourism consumption hotspots will be added, more tourists and cultural enthusiasts will be attracted, and the construction of research and travel bases will be boosted. Tiangongyuan will be built into a window to show the historical and cultural charm of Xinyu City, and inject new vitality into the development of the city's cultural tourism.
Fourth, innovative publicity. The tourism economy is the eyeball economy. It is necessary to pay attention to innovation and publicity, and enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the development of Tiangong culture. First, to achieve the "four ones" project of publicity, that is, a tourism album, a tourism slogan, a tourism song, and a short video of tourism promotion. Second, strengthen the use of new media and integrated media, and carry out all-round publicity and promotion through online and offline interaction. Accelerate the construction of a smart cultural tourism platform, and improve the functions of electronic ticketing and smart guide in scenic spots. Third, organize the performance of the drama "Heavenly Creation", and strive to create movies and TV series by 2028.
Fifth, tell a good story. Cultivate brand explanation talents, and talk about "Heavenly Creation". Song Yingxing lived to be 80 years old, not only the highlight moment of the middle lift, but also the pain of going to Beijing to take the Jinshi examination six times in the past 20 years, all of which were named Sun Shan, so he decided to turn to practical learning and wrote "Heavenly Creation", in his preface, he said: "This book has nothing to do with fame and progress!" He lived a life of poverty and hardship in the last 20 years of his life. To tell the story of Song Yingxing well, it is necessary to tell the historical background of the characters, have attractive plots, and touching details, and promote the development of the story in the midst of contradictions and struggles, so that the story is full of ups and downs, vivid and vivid, climaxes, touching tears, and urging people to forge ahead. Through beautiful stories, children can plant the seeds of love for science and technology from an early age.
Sixth, enhance kinetic energy. Empower the new development of Tiangong and cultural tourism with new kinetic energy. In the early stage, the development of tourism mainly relied on the promotion of the government, but now it needs to form an ecosystem of coordinated development of the government, enterprises and people. This requires each role to perform its own duties, but also to break the boundaries of traditional business formats, through the integration of multiple resources, strengthen the top-level design, and move towards the road of integrated development. First, promote the linkage of the government of the cultural and tourism industry in the city and county to avoid homogenization. Song Yingxing's hometown, Fengxin County, has developed the Song Yingxing Memorial Hall and Cultural Park. Xinyu City should carry out deep integration and interaction with Fengxin County to achieve differentiated and complementary development. For example, around the high-tech Tiangong Park, we will build a creative cultural and leisure ecological town that gathers the Tiangong Kaiwu industry. Second, enterprises are the main force in the development of cultural tourism at this stage. Recently, several of the best scenic spots in our province are operated by local private enterprises, such as Wangxian Valley, Gexian Mountain, Huangling, Yashan, Wunvzhou, etc., all of which are flourishing. It is necessary to strengthen intra-provincial linkage, alliances outside the province, and overseas cooperation, explore the development model of cross-border integration, and optimize the industrial layout. Third, it is necessary to fully arouse the enthusiasm of the masses of the people. In August 2023, I went there at 6 p.m. and found that the locals were crowded. Fengcheng has established the largest folk museum group in East China, and the exhibits are provided by private capital and the masses, and have received good results. We should find ways to involve more people in the protection and transmission of this cultural heritage.
Seventh, the integration of culture and tourism. Culture is the soul of tourism, and tourism is the carrier of culture. Only by insisting on the cultural and plastic brigade and the brigade can we realize the combination of poetry and distance and make the culture and tourism shine with brilliant brilliance. It is necessary to vigorously promote the integration of content, functions, resources, functions and talents of culture and tourism, so as to achieve the success of the "Tiangong Kaiwu" project.
Fairy Lake. Photo by Zhao Chunliang
Eighth, promote "tourism +". Building the "Heavenly Creations" project is not a matter for the cultural and tourism department, and it must be highly valued by the leaders and made joint efforts in many aspects to succeed. The first is cultural tourism + network, through the Internet and mobile phone global marketing, global solicitation, comprehensive communication, food, housing, transportation, travel, shopping and entertainment comprehensive solution. All tourism-related venues achieve full coverage of free WiFi, communication signals, and video surveillance. The second is cultural tourism + industry, Xinyu is an industrial city, steelmaking, photovoltaic, xiabu, ceramic production, etc., can engage in industrial tourism. The third is tourism + sports, such as marathons, fishing competitions, Chinese dragon boat competitions, alpine rafting, etc., which not only provide tourists with a place to exercise, but also meet their needs for immersive tourism experience. Fourth, tourism + forum, relying on the Jiangxi World VR Industry Conference, Aviation Conference, etc., Xinyu City can hold the "Heavenly Creations" China Science Popularization Permanent Forum, build an exchange platform, and promote the dissemination of popular science books and information.
Nine is to do a good job. Tourist satisfaction is the fundamental criterion for testing the success of tourism work. Strengthen the supervision of service quality to ensure that the service provided reaches the best level. Implement the "Regulations on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Tourists in Jiangxi Province", establish and improve the city and county level tourism shopping compensation system, so that the compensation is implemented. Promote the reform of the system and mechanism, and strengthen the management of scenic spots. Continuously improve the service quality of visitor centers, scenic spots, hotels and restaurants. Actively do a good job in talent introduction and training, improve high-quality services, and continuously optimize the tourist experience. Do everywhere is the tourism environment, everyone is a tourism image.
Children's musical "Heavenly Creations: Summer Rag Dolls". Image source: Xinyu Daily
Ten is a clear goal. Xinyu City is the only city in our province that does not have a national 5A scenic spot, and should be in accordance with the requirements of the provincial party committee, with the construction of a national 5A scenic spot as an important goal to promote the development of the cultural and tourism industry. To this end, Xinyu City should take "Tiangong Kaiwu" as a breakthrough in development, and create a Tiangong cultural tourism brand destination with national influence through the implementation of specific planning and a series of measures. The tourism development goal of Xinyu City is not only to build a national 5A scenic spot, but more importantly, to promote Tiangong Kaiwu and Tiangong cultural brand to the international stage. We are convinced that as long as Xinyu can emancipate the mind, unify understanding, have clear goals and take appropriate measures, it will definitely be able to promote the high-quality development of Tiangong culture and cultural tourism integration in Xinyu City, and become a rising star in China's cultural and tourism industry!
Source: Open the Jiangxi book