More than 30 representatives from city planning departments in many Chinese cities visited Pingtan recently to learn about the experience of hosting a sculpture exhibition.

Pingtan county in Fujian province held an international urban sculpture exhibition on Oct 10 and 11, featuring 48 master works by sculptors from around the world.

The guests all spoke highly of the campaign to raise art awareness in the city.

“This kind of art form not only beautifies the environment, but also elevates cultural taste,” said Ren Jinhao, deputy director of the urban sculpture office of Ningbo city in Zhejiang province.

“The sculptures can promote Pingtan’s image. Ningbo is also paying more attention to the cultivation of urban culture with the help of public arts,” he said.

Ren also suggested that Pingtan should encourage more sculptures related to its unique characteristics and folk culture.

“I think a sculptor should take some time digesting Pingtan’s culture and customs before they get down to the business. Only in this way can the works reflect Pingtan’s essence and thus become a calling card for Pingtan,” he said.

“The sculpture exhibition is good for the residents and will boost the urban culture,” said Zhou Xingwei, an employee with the city planning bureau of Binzhou city in Shandong province.

“Spiritual culture is of great importance in the course of economic construction. I will absorb Pingtan’s experience and concepts in the exhibition and share them with my fellows in Binzhou,” he said.