On Dec 20, 2025, Yantai in East China's Shandong province inaugurated its Aesthetic Education Gala and Public Reading Conference at the city's youth palace. The online-offline event aims to deepen public engagement with the arts and promote reading across communities.

As a seven-time National Civilized City, Yantai has integrated aesthetic education into urban development, organizing over a thousand activities this year to bring art and culture into neighborhoods and villages.

The ceremony featured children's performances, salon talks, and exhibitions highlighting how aesthetic education and reading can enrich public life — from village cultural revitalization to campus programs.

During the event, Yantai's New Era Aesthetic Education Center was officially unveiled, and books of the year were recommended. The city also announced the launch of the 2026 Yantai Public Reading Marathon, encouraging citizens to join a citywide reading movement through a dedicated app.

Through these efforts, Yantai continues to incorporate aesthetic awareness and reading into the fabric of urban life, building a more culturally vibrant and cohesive community.