Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 1, 2026

The Methodological Innovation of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture

(Abstract)

Feng Ziyi

The development of Marxist cultural theory embodied in Xi Jinping Thought on Culture is most clearly reflected in its distinctive methodological innovation to cultural issues. From the perspective of social development, it closely links culture to the foundations and prosperity of the nation, examining cultural questions in light of national strength-building and national rejuvenation. From a practical standpoint, its core essence lies in the principle of the “Two Integrations”(integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and fine traditional culture), emphasizing practice- and problem-oriented approaches to advancing cultural development as a defining orientation of cultural construction. From a human development perspective, it foregrounds the central themes of Marxist theory, upholds a people-centered position, and organically integrates cultural construction with human development, thereby highlighting the value orientation of cultural work. In terms of world history, it applies a “world-historical” perspective to properly address the relationships between universal laws of cultural development and specific developmental paths, between cultural subjectivity and intercultural exchange and mutual learning, and between national and global dimensions of culture, thus expanding and innovating the vision and pathways of cultural development.