Futian cultural consultant on Forbes cultural celebrity list

A portrait of Zhou Yiwen. Baidu Baike

Zhou Yiwen, a cultural consultant from Shenzhen’s central business district Futian, has successfully made it onto the list of the inaugural "Forbes China outstanding cultural celebrities."

The “outstanding cultural celebrities”selection handpicks prominent individuals from diverse fields such as fine arts, calligraphy, literature, and performing arts.

Those included on the list are required to have attained significant accomplishments, garnered substantial industry recognition, and wielded considerable influence, Forbes China said in a statement on its website.

The list is part of the debut “Forbes China cultural icon selection,”which also encompasses the “Forbes China cultural influential figures."

Forbes China's registry of influential figures spotlights exceptional cultural personalities who have shown unwavering commitment to various facets of culture and arts, encompassing creation, production, management, and more.

Selections are made based on cultural contributions and achievements, industry sway, and commercial significance. The selection process aims to honor these master artisans with unique skills and unparalleled talents, identifying exceptional and influential figures within the cultural arts realm.

It endeavors to ignite their innovative spirit, foster dialogue and collaboration within the cultural sphere, expand their societal reach, and advance Chinese cultural initiatives and global cultural exchanges, Forbes China said.

Born in 1971 in Xiangyin County, Yueyang City, Hunan Province, Zhou is a contemporary Chinese artist, poet, and fairy tale writer.

He has authored a series of works including "Adventurous Little Prince," "Bala La La Little Fairy," "Magic Little Princess," "Moor Manor," "Hero Sayle," and "Yuanjie Mountain and Sea."

These compositions have collectively sold over 30 million copies and have been adapted into various media forms like TV dramas, animations, movies, stage productions, and games, impacting two generations of readers and viewers in China.

On Oct. 10, 2020, Futian appointed Zhou as a "cultural consultant," marking him the 18th cultural celebrity embraced by the esteemed Futian District Celebrity Plan.

Zhou shares this recognition with luminaries from diverse fields like renowned pianist Lang Lang, NBA star Yi Jianlian, chess grandmaster Xie Jun, and acclaimed artist Pu Cunxin.

Over the past three years, Zhou has been deeply engrossed in creative literary and artistic endeavors in Futian. He has crafted numerous fairy tales and science fiction works such as "The Shadow Country" and "Yuanjie Mountain and Sea," accumulating more than a million words.

During this period, he has organized six solo contemporary art exhibitions that have resonated widely within artistic circles.