A new cultural landmark is established in Chongchuan district, in order to further local cultural development, officials said. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A cultural exchange center in Chongchuan district in Nantong city – in southern Jiangsu province – officially opened to the public on Dec 21, according to local officials.

It covers an area of 8,000 square meters and is operating by a local company focusing on cultural and creative bookstores.

Officials said the bookstore in the center aims to enrich local residents' lives and promote reading among the public. It has about 10,000 books and includes different recreational areas for people to enjoy coffee, tea and reading, as well as look at and sample cultural and creative products.

The center has gained support from the palace museums in Beijing and Taiwan, and has been approved to sell related products, which means Nantong locals can learn about the cultural inheritance of the palace museums without traveling a long distance.

"We decided to operate the bookstore in Chongchuan due to its profound culture and convenient transportation. We hope to promote Taiwan culture around China through this bookstore," said Chen Qin, the manager of the company.

Chen added that oil paintings and sculptures will be introduced from Europe, in order to showcase art and culture abroad to more young people.

In recent years, the district has strived to protect and promote local culture – and encouraged the integration of culture, tourism and art performances. The establishment of the new cultural landmark is expected to attract more domestic and foreign investment in the local cultural industry.