Guangdong has announced a sweeping initiative to accelerate the growth of its digital creative sector, unveiling five key measures aimed at strengthening industry clusters, boosting technological innovation, and promoting cultural digitisation.
At the Lingnan Digital Creative Tower New Infrastructure High-Quality Development Conference, held at Guangzhou’s Yangcheng Creative Industry Park on 28 March, provincial leaders outlined a strategy to position Guangdong as a national leader in digital culture. The event also marked the launch of the Lingnan Cultural Big Data Centre and the release of the Lingnan Cultural Large Model.
The Lingnan Digital Creative Tower, set to open in 2026, will stand 149.95 metres tall, covering a floor area of 120,000 square metres. Designed as a hub for digital cultural industries, the tower will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including AI, big data, and blockchain, to support sectors such as animation, music, gaming, and e-sports.
The province will introduce policies to support gaming, film, design, and modern performing arts, streamlining approval processes and increasing funding for key sectors. Financial incentives, including special funds for literary and artistic talent, will be allocated to drive investment in creative industries.
Efforts will also focus on developing industrial clusters, with areas such as KeYun Road—home to major gaming firms like NetEase—serving as blueprints for sector-specific hubs. By fostering collaboration among tech firms, cultural enterprises, and educational institutions, the province aims to create an ecosystem where leading companies drive supply chain growth.
A major component of Guangdong’s initiative involves the digitisation of its rich Lingnan cultural heritage. Projects such as the Lingnan Cultural Big Data Centre will facilitate the preservation and intelligent analysis of historical relics, literary works, and intangible heritage. This effort is expected to integrate cultural assets into the digital economy, opening new business opportunities and ensuring their global reach.
Recognising the need for skilled professionals, Guangdong is expanding recruitment initiatives. Special incentives will be introduced to attract top-tier talent in digital creativity, ensuring sustained industry growth.
The province is also intensifying efforts in technological advancements, investing heavily in AI-driven cultural innovation. With the approval of 45 generative AI services and the establishment of AI labs, Guangdong aims to position itself at the forefront of the “AI + Culture” movement.
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