Hangzhou charts new path for global cultural exports

The Hangzhou-produced dramaSwords into Plowsharesis showcased at a major media market in France. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

Recent global hits — from the Hangzhou-produced dramaSwords into Plowsharesto the blockbuster video gameBlack Myth: Wukong— highlight the city's growing global influence in digital culture.

The drama, produced by Huace Group, has been broadcast across 73 countries and regions through 12 international platforms, with more than 10 million views on YouTube and over 100 million total impressions. Meanwhile, the game developed by Game Science has surpassed 30 million global sales and won two major awards at The Game Awards.

These successes highlight the effectiveness of Hangzhou's strategy to promote the overseas expansion of what officials call the "new trio" of cultural exports — online literature, web dramas and video games. Backed by its strength as China's digital economy hub, the city has developed a full industry chain covering creation, incubation and international distribution.

Institutions such as the China Internet Writers Village have nurtured hundreds of writers and globally popular works, while game companies like Electronic Soul have cultivated international player communities over the years.

Technology is accelerating the process. Companies are using AI tools for translation, dubbing and content production, enabling Chinese cultural products to reach global audiences more efficiently.

According to the Hangzhou government, the city aims to become a national hub and demonstration zone for the high-quality global expansion of digital cultural industries, further boosting the international reach of Chinese stories and creativity.

A foreigner competes in a five-on-five match against the computer at a tournament for the Hangzhou-developed gameDream Three Kingdoms 2. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]