Suzhou in Anhui Province held its inaugural Bai Juyi Poetry Conference on May 16, under the theme “Millennia of Dialogue, Poetic Suzhou.”
The event celebrated the legacy of Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi, who famously penned Grasses on the Ancient Plain in Suzhou over 1,200 years ago. Today, the city builds on that poetic lineage by integrating historical reverence with modern technology and cultural innovation.
A highlight of the conference was the unveiling of AI-generated portraits of Bai Juyi. These cross-temporal renderings offered a visual narrative of the poet’s life—from his youthful scholarly pursuits to his later years of philosophical reflection—preserving traditional aesthetics while introducing contemporary flair.
Ten academic studies were presented, including research on Suzhou place names in Bai Juyi’s poetry and the role of folk culture in tourism development. These findings aim to guide Suzhou’s push toward becoming a benchmark for cultural tourism in northern Anhui.
Tourism officials also launched themed routes such as “Following Bai Juyi Through Suzhou,” inviting visitors to experience the poet’s favorite landscapes and dishes. Sixteen cultural projects were unveiled, including a Bai Juyi Cultural Tourism Resort and the Grand Canal Intangible Heritage Town, both open for public investment.
A roundtable brought together scholars and city delegates to discuss Bai Juyi’s enduring influence. Interactive AI installations, creative marketplaces, and cultural showcases rounded out the event, connecting past and present while positioning Suzhou as a dynamic hub of poetic and cultural heritage.
Business News Asia