From January 12 to 15, I had the opportunity to participate in a cultural exploration event, held as part of the 2024 International Mini-Series Competition organized by China's National Radio and Television Administration. Taking place in Sichuan Province and titled the Mystical Shu Rhythm—Tianfu Journey, the event explored how the ancient heritage of the province can be integrated into micro dramas—a video entertainment format that has gained traction in recent years.

On the first evening of the event, we took a night tour of Jinli, a historical street in the heart of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, where ancient architecture and modern cultural expressions intertwine. The next day, we visited the Jianmen Pass and Cuiyun Corridor, two major hubs on the ancient Roads to Shu, which connected Shaanxi Province and Sichuan for two millennia.

On the third day, the group went to Sanxingdui in Guanghan City, one of the most important archaeological sites in China, renowned for its mysterious bronze relics that challenge conventional understandings of early Chinese civilization. On the final day, we visited the Sansu Shrine in Meishan City, dedicated to Su Xun and his sons Su Shi and Su Zhe, all famous literary masters of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

As they explored Sichuan's culture and landscapes, the participants were tasked with considering how traditional elements—such as architecture, folklore and local crafts—could be presented in new and engaging formats. Whether it was exploring the myths and history behind the Roads to Shu or the more tangible aspects such as traditional crafts, the goal was to develop stories that would resonate with both Chinese audiences and viewers around the world. This exploration provided rich material for the participants' creative endeavors, with many returning from the trip filled with ideas for how they might bring the essence of Sichuan to a broader, digital audience.

For me, this journey highlighted a truth about storytelling: It is never static. Every generation reinterprets the past in its own terms, weaving new narratives that speak to the issues, desires and technologies of the time. What might have been a tale told around a fire thousands of years ago now finds expression in a digital micro-series. And yet, the core function of storytelling remains the same: to connect, to inspire and to provoke thought.

For many of the participants, this realization became central to their creative process. As they encountered these ancient sites and learned about their historical significance, they began to see how the stories of the past can still shape narratives today. The most impactful stories are those that evolve with the times. This understanding enables stories to transcend geographical and temporal boundaries, ensuring that they remain relevant and relatable to audiences worldwide. Whether through ancient artifacts, classical literature, or modern digital formats, storytelling continues to serve as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Ultimately, the Sichuan trip was a reminder that the stories we tell shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. They offer not only a window into the past but also a blueprint for the future. As creators, it is our responsibility to preserve the integrity of cultural legacies while also pushing the boundaries of how these legacies can be reimagined in the context of today's rapidly changing media landscape.

The author is an Italian scholar at the Yenching Academy of Peking University

Copyedited to G.P. Wilson

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