An international cultural exchange event titled “An Encounter with the Chinese Civilization: Suzhou’s South of Yangtze Culture and Chinese Modernization” recently took place at the Lion Grove Garden in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province. The historic UNESCO World Heritage site became a global classroom, connecting over 300 young people from the United Kingdom and France with the rich traditions and modern developments of Suzhou.
This event is the fifth installment of the “An Encounter with the Chinese Civilization” series, an initiative by the World Affairs Press aimed at global youth. For the first time, the event extended its reach with sub-venues across six cities in the UK and France, allowing participants to join both online and offline.
Guided by Professor Yang Xuhui from Soochow University, the international audience embarked on a virtual journey through the intricate pavilions and halls of the Lion Grove Garden. They delved into the history and culture of the region south of the Yangtze River, exploring how Suzhou has evolved in the new era while retaining its traditional charm.
The Lion Grove Garden holds a special place in architectural history. It was once owned by Bei Runsheng, the uncle of renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei. Bei adorned the garden with colored glass imported from Europe and America, blending Eastern and Western aesthetics. I.M. Pei himself lived in the garden and drew inspiration from its classical designs, which later influenced his creation of the iconic glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Participants expressed excitement over this unique cultural immersion. Through the livestreamed tour, they not only witnessed the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture but also gained insights into China’s modernization efforts and cultural preservation.
The event fostered cross-cultural understanding and showcased Suzhou as a city where history meets innovation. By bridging distances through technology, it highlighted the importance of global youth engagement in cultural exchanges.
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Encounter with Chinese Civilization event held in E China's Suzhou
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