#China #Cultural Exchange #Chinese culture #Jiaxing #ACCWS

2025 Chinese Cultural Symbols International Communication Index Released

On November 8, 2025, during the prestigious World Internet Conference's Wuzhen Summit, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), part of the China International Communications Group, unveiled its latest findings regarding the Chinese Cultural Symbols International Communication Index (CSIC). This report marks the third consecutive year that the CSIC has been presented at notable forums, establishing itself as a crucial tool for understanding the global communication of Chinese culture.

Li Yafang, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China International Communications Group and President of ACCWS, delivered a compelling overview of the report's significant conclusions, emphasizing that the representation of Chinese culture on the international stage has evolved considerably this year. Notable Chinese cultural symbols are increasingly recognized globally, reflecting their deep-rooted heritage while showcasing a contemporary vibrancy.

This year's report introduces an enhanced CSIC model that enriches the analysis of Chinese cultural symbols. In addition to the traditional metrics of mainstream media communication, social media engagement, and online attention, the new model incorporates three additional dimensions: the online interaction index, international reputation, and AI large model recognition. This comprehensive framework allows for a thorough examination of how Chinese cultural symbols have resonated with audiences around the world over the past year.

Central to the report is the 2025 Chinese Cultural International Communication Symbols Matrix, which encompasses ten major dimensions that outline key areas of cultural influence:
1. Urban Culture and Tourism
2. Guochao (China Chic) and Intangible Cultural Heritage
3. Transliterated Chinese Terms
4. Historical Mysteries
5. Eastern Fantasy
6. Globalization of the Spring Festival
7. Trends in Chinese Culinary Arts
8. Slice-of-Life Narratives
9. Grassroots Digital Exchanges
10. Cultural and Creative Products from Museums

Using this matrix, the report identifies the top ten Chinese online pop-culture IPs for 2025, including Labubu, Dead to Rights, Ne Zha 2, Wuthering Waves, Legend of the Female General, The Shadow's Edge, Nobody, Master Chef, Where Winds Meet, and The Prisoner of Beauty. These cultural products span various formats, including designer toys, films, web series, micro-dramas, video games, and animations, indicating the diverse avenues through which Chinese culture is being consumed and appreciated.

Moreover, the report highlights five regional cultural hotspots that are making significant international impacts:

• - Chengdu - Known as a catalyst for global sporting passion via the World Games.
• - Chongqing - A cyberpunk city that embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity.
• - Tianjin - Hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, promoting upgraded international urban landscapes.
• - Jiangsu - Leading a new wave of mass sports and culture through the