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A local takes a selfie in front of an "art museum" without walls in Jiaxing. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

A recent cultural initiative that has been introduced in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, has redefined the way art lives in cities.

The city's "Urban Art Museum" Without Walls project has transformed downtown streets into vibrant galleries. Six well-known cafes and restaurants now feature artistic works demonstrating the city's local culture, intangible heritage, and notable figures.

These pieces adorn the exteriors of storefronts, bringing art directly into everyday public life.

The works are rooted in local identity yet diverse in perspective, including contributions from international voices.

The initiative benefits all parties involved — shops draw in more visitors, residents enjoy visual experiences alongside their meals, and artists gain a public platform to exhibit their talents.

By bringing art into open spaces, cities dissolve physical and social boundaries, making art accessible to all and inviting everyone to become both audience and creator.

Though modest in scale, Jiaxing's experiment is a meaningful step. Cities like Shanghai have already seen old neighborhoods boosted through street art, with Nanchang Road turning into a living gallery.

Public art can reshape a city's spirit, subtly enhancing taste, and fostering community pride.

Ultimately, an "art museum" without walls does more than beautify — it creates a shared cultural space, deepens emotional connections to place, and empowers residents to participate in the life and identity of their city.