Research on Optimization of Cross-Border Exchange Mechanisms for Museums in Kunming under the China-ASEAN Cooperation Framework

Abstract

In the context of globalization and regional integration, cross-border cultural exchanges have become a critical indicator of urban cultural competitiveness. Kunming, a key cultural hub in southwestern China, lags significantly behind cities like Chengdu in the dynamism of its cross-border cultural exchanges. According to statistics from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the number of cross-border exhibitions held by Kunming museums from 2018 to 2023 was only one-third of that in Chengdu, highlighting systemic deficiencies in Kunming’s cross-border cultural exchange mechanisms. Positioned as a pivotal node in China-ASEAN cultural cooperation under *Yunnan Province’s 14th Five-Year Plan for Cultural and Tourism Development, Kunming’s geographical advantages and cultural resources should empower it to play a more substantial role in cross-border exchanges. Cross-border cultural relic exhibitions not only serve as vital tools for cultural dissemination but also act as key pathways for museum brand internationalization. However, Kunming museums currently face challenges such as policy implementation delays, homogeneous collaboration models, and excessive costs. For instance, the Yunnan Nationalities Museum’s exhibition in Thailand was hindered by prolonged approval processes, high transportation costs, and cultural interpretation disputes. This study analyzes the current status and challenges of Kunming’s cross-border museum exchanges and proposes targeted optimization strategies to inform China-ASEAN cultural cooperation.