Shaanxi: Ancient Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

Source:China IP News

Shaanxi, a province rich in thousands of years of culture and history, is now buzzing with youthful energy and modern innovation. From smart manufacturing going global to cultural creations capturing the spotlight, and from local Shaanxi flavor to international appeal, a new vision is unfolding, one where intellectual property (IP) is powering high-quality development across the region. Recently, China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) held a press conference to highlight Shaanxi's dynamic practices in strengthening IP protection and utilization.

Smart manufacturing gains momentum

In recent years, Shaanxi has worked to deeply integrate technological innovation with industrial innovation, resulting in a boom in smart manufacturing. Embracing IP strategies has become a common choice for many of the province's innovators. For instance, China National Heavy Machinery Research Institute Co., Ltd. has built a comprehensive patent and proprietary technology protection system in the field of large-scale and advanced heavy equipment. Their patented products are now used in over a dozen countries and regions around the world. Similarly, OUR United Corporation, which focuses on innovative radiotherapy technology and equipment, has been promoting open collaboration on IP in its industry-university-research-application system.

"Shaanxi has been reforming how technology achievements are transformed into marketable products, revitalizing existing patents and creating a closed-loop service covering patent validation, technology transfer, and financial support, thereby accelerating the commercialization of innovations," said Shen Liping, Director of the Intellectual Property Office of Shaanxi. One such program, the province's "Lingxi Plan," has identified over 340 technology needs, matched 56 patent transactions, and generated over 280 million yuan in transaction value, effectively bringing innovations from the lab to the production line.

Local brands get a makeover

Recently, 1,000 kilograms of dried black fungus from Jinmi Village of Shaanxi's Zhashui County were shipped to Dubai, marking the product's debut in the Middle East market. Thanks to Geographical Indication (GI) protection, this local specialty has grown into a booming industry worth over 1.3 billion yuan in total output, with a brand value exceeding 5 billion yuan. This change has injected new energy into rural revitalization.

From Zhashui black fungus to Hanzhong Xianhao Tea, Meixian Kiwifruit, and Hengshan Lamb, each Shaanxi brand not only carries distinctive local flavors but also reflects the region's vibrant culture and traditions. "Shaanxi is implementing a GI application program that integrates culture, tourism, and intangible cultural heritage, focusing on brand-oriented operations and cultural value," Shen explained. Currently, the total value of processed GI products and related cultural and historical tourism industry in Shaanxi has reached 250 billion yuan. For example, in Yan'an, the combination of apple tours with cultural and historical tourism has not only boosted farmers' incomes but also brought new life to rural traditions.

Traditional culture reinvented with modern expression

Strolling through Xi'an, visitors find themselves immersed in a seamless blend of ancient history and modern creativity. Xi'an KissFuture Network Technology, a winner of the 2023 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Awards, has used digital tools to bring the Terracotta Warriors to life. The Xi'an City Wall, with 72 registered data IP rights, has developed a mixed-reality project called Golden Armor City, which has become a hit among both Chinese and international visitors. Even local food culture is getting a creative twist, such as the plush toy "ROMOMO" inspired by Xi'an cuisine Roujiamo, which has become a trendy offline bestseller.

As Yang Zuotao, Deputy Secretary-General of Xi'an Municipal Government noted at the press conference: "Traditional culture is a treasure trove for innovation, modern technology is key to revitalization, and IP is the bridge connecting the two." In recent years, Xi'an has embedded IP protection throughout the renewal and creative transformation of its cultural heritage by building a comprehensive IP protection system, and leveraging the combined strength of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The city is turning cultural assets into creative, valuable, and marketable IP, breathing new life into ancient traditions.

Opening up to the world

"We tasted fine wine, dairy products, and naan bread, and bought handmade cotton T-shirts and beautiful scarves," said Giuseppe Pan, a member of the Veneto Regional Council, at the 9th Silk Road International Exposition and the Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East & West China. The high-quality, well-designed Xinjiang specialties left a deep impression on him. One new highlight of this year's expo was the Silk Road (Shaanxi) International Trade Fair for Geographical Indications Products, which generated 3.3 million yuan in on-site transactions and 138 million yuan in intended purchases, creating new opportunities for global GI trade cooperation.

Shaanxi is strengthening international ties through the Xi'an hub of the China-Europe Railway Express and platforms like the Belt and Road Demonstration Zone for International Commercial Legal Service. The province is also collaborating with universities in Xi'an to build Belt and Road platforms on IP cooperation. From camel bells of the ancient Silk Road to modern freight trains crossing continents, Shaanxi is opening wider to the world and playing a deeper role in the Belt and Road Initiative, helping more "Made in Shaanxi" products and brands reach a global audience.

OUR United Corporation is a pioneer in radiotherapy technology and equipment.

Hanzhong Xianhao Tea, a national GI product in China, is famous for its flavor and quality.

The plush toy "ROMOMO" inspired by Xi'an cuisine Roujiamo has become a trendy bestseller.

The 9th Silk Expo has created new opportunities for global GI trade cooperation.