Gathering of Luminaries | Forbes China Cultural Gala and Awards Ceremony Held in Shanghai, Featuring a Performance by China’s Magic Finger

A Tribute to Shanghai

Forbes China Cultural Gala and Awards Ceremony

Cultural figures are key forces driving cultural development and the core link in the generational transmission and evolution of culture. As an international business media brand with a global perspective, Forbes China has leveraged its long-standing observation of China’s economic, social, and cultural sectors to focus on the value brought by the cultural industry. In recent years, Forbes China has launched various evaluations, research projects, and activities related to culture and art.

Forbes China Group Chairman Zhang Zhichen

On April 20, 2024, the Forbes China Cultural Gala and the inaugural Forbes China Cultural Figure Awards Ceremony, jointly hosted by Forbes China and Beijing Dragonfly Eye Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., successfully concluded at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Lujiazui. Leading figures from the cultural field and related sectors, prominent experts and scholars, investment institutions, representatives from Forbes China’s selected enterprises, and dozens of media outlets gathered at the event. Liu Jian, the founder of our institution, and Chinese Magic Finger pianist Tang Juchen were invited to attend, witnessing this grand occasion together.

Forbes China Cultural Gala and Awards Ceremony

Gathering of Luminaries

This event marked the debut of Forbes China’s cultural figure awards, which included two categories: the “First Forbes China Outstanding Cultural Master” and the “First Forbes China Cultural Influencer.” The awards aimed to honor masters of exceptional creativity and skill while recognizing influential figures who excel in the cultural and artistic fields. The initiative seeks to inspire their innovation and drive, further empowering the development of China’s cultural endeavors and international cultural exchange.

Renowned Actor Ge You (center)

 Chinese Magic Finger Tang Juchen (left)

 Liu Jian (right), Founder of Liu Jian Piano School

Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles

Chairman of the China Musician Association Ye Xiaogang (left)

 Liu Jian Piano School Beijing Branch Principal Li Yumin (center)

Founder Liu Jian (right)

That evening, renowned actor Ge You, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Chairman of the China Musician Association Ye Xiaogang, former Director of the Nanjing Museum Xu Huping, Vice Chairman of the China Contemporary Art Association Chang Qing, contemporary abstract artist and curator Ding Yi, Chairman of the Yunnan Artist Association and Director of the Yunnan Art Museum Luo Jiang, renowned painter Jiang Baolin, and other masters in fine art and national intangible cultural heritage attended the event.

A Moment of Glory

Ye Xiaogang (right), Tang Juchen (left)

Zhang Zhichen (right), Tang Juchen (left)

The awards ceremony also featured a series of spectacular musical performances. During the event, the Magic Finger piano served as the designated instrument, with pianist Tang Juchen delivering a heartfelt performance of a selection of Chinese and Western classical piano masterpieces. Tang Juchen’s rendition of Liszt’s La Campanella, a piece of great technical difficulty, demonstrated his extraordinary piano skills. Meanwhile, the Chinese folk piano piece Liuyang River allowed the audience to experience the rich charm of traditional Chinese music. The music, at times flowing like a gentle stream and at others powerful and resonant, culminated in thunderous applause, bringing the event to a triumphant climax.

Tang Juchen, China’s Magic Finger Pianist

Tang Juchen, China’s Magic Finger Pianist

Forbes China

Forbes China is the Chinese-language edition of Forbes Media Group, a globally recognized financial and business media organization founded in New York in 1917. With the motto “Entrepreneurial Spirit, Tools for Wealth Creation,” Forbes champions entrepreneurialism and innovation. Its pioneering reporting style is considered a classic within the industry, and its series of lists is often referred to as the “economic barometer” and the “wealth compass.” Since its launch in China in April 2003, Forbes China has adhered to its parent publication’s ethos of promoting entrepreneurial values, providing tools for wealth creation, and creating influential multimedia platforms. These platforms produce a variety of lists, including the “Forbes China Rich List.” In 2016, Forbes revamped its China operations to integrate more closely with the global platform, aiming to deliver the Forbes spirit more effectively while creating value for entrepreneurship, innovation, and wealth creation in China.