A cultural event highlighting the legacy of Wang Anshi kicks off in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Dec 18. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Ningbo in Zhejiang province is building a cultural brand revolving around the legacy of Wang Anshi, a renowned politician and poet who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

In 1047, Wang started his tenure in Yinxian county (now Ningbo's Yinzhou district) as the magistrate. Over the course of three years, he launched various reforms in the county to improve locals' lives, creating a solid foundation for the development of the county and city.

To take advantage of Wang's cultural legacy, Ningbo established a special working group and launched a three-year action plan in 2022.

Local authorities have delved into innovative ways to promote Anshi culture.

A cultural event featuring Anshi culture kicked off at the Ningbo Academician Center in Yinzhou district on Dec 18, commemorating Wang's 1,002nd birthday.

At the opening ceremony, an animation about Wang's stories in Yinxian, a study travel route that links Wang's life with his dredging projects at Dongqian Lake, and other scenic areas were launched.

Ningbo also cooperated with Hanshan county in Anhui province, where Wang once traveled, and his birthplace - Fuzhou, Jiangxi province - to establish a city alliance to promote Anshi culture.