BETWEEN 2013 and 2016, the Futian District Government spent up to 800 million yuan (US$123.6 million) on the construction of cultural facilities and on other public services, the Daily Sunshine reported. A total of 210 million yuan was used to upgrade the district’s cultural venues.

    During the four years, Futian aimed to build itself into a national-level demonstration district for public culture and services. Futian invested in museums, parks and libraries.

    The fiscal expenditure of cultural events increased beginning in 2013. The amount was 140.29 million yuan, 144.85 million yuan and 193.50 million yuan respectively in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The number make up around 1.5 percent of the district’s fiscal spending each year. The proportion is much higher than the city’s average figure, which is around 0.55 percent.

    Futian held over 5,000 cultural events each year. Starting in 2012, 100 million yuan was set aside for cultural events each year, such as the Shenzhen International Percussion Festival.

    As of March 21 this year, the fund was used to sponsor 232 projects, costing around 146.8 million yuan.

    (Sherry Zhang)