Representatives from eight Chinese cities renowned for calligraphy have jointly issued an initiative calling for greater cultural exchange and mutual learning in traditional Chinese calligraphy.

The eight cities are Xuzhou, Kaifeng, Anyang, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Xiangtan, Xiangyang and Linyi. The initiative was released at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Calligrapher Sage Culture Festival of Linyi, which was held at the Former Residence of Wang Xizhi (303-361), one of China's most celebrated calligraphers on Sept 22.

The efforts aim to explore the deeper cultural value of calligraphy, enrich people's cultural lives, integrate traditional culture more closely with tourism and other industries, and promote cultural exchange and cooperation among cities.

Linyi is the hometown of Wang Xizhi, a legendary calligrapher and scholar of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420), honored as China's "Sage of Calligraphy".

Since 2003, the festival has been held for 22 editions, becoming a cultural brand that showcases Linyi's rich calligraphy heritage and provides a platform for sharing Chinese culture with the world.

The festival also features 23 events across three major sections, including calligraphy and painting exhibitions, cultural and tourism experience. It will run through Oct 21.