BEIJING, May 4, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- China International Communication Corporation
(CICG) unveiled the "Souffle d'Orient" exhibition at the Foire de
Paris 2024 on May 1. This exhibition aims to showcase the rich
history, enduring charm, and modern achievements of Chinese
civilization, fostering deeper cultural exchange and mutual
understanding between China and
the rest of the world.
Du Zhanyuan, president of CICG; Yang
Xinyu, permanent representative of China to UNESCO; Philippe Folliot, senator of France and president of the Centrist Alliance;
Vincent Montagne, president of the
Syndicat National de l'Edition (French Publishers Association) and
chairman of the Paris Book Fair; and Bénédicte Epinay, president of
the Comité Colbert, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition
and delivered speeches. Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG and
president of Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies
(ACCWS), and Wang Yin, cultural
counselor of the Chinese Embassy in France, attended the opening ceremony. Also
participating in the event were over a hundred representatives from
the cultural, translation, publishing, and business communities of
China and France. Liu Shuangyan, director of the
International Cooperation Department of CICG, moderated the opening
ceremony.
On the first day of its opening, the exhibition welcomed more
than 10,000 visitors from France
and other European countries. Notably, Paris' Mayor Anne
Hidalgo was among the esteemed guests.
Du Zhanyuan underscored the deep cultural ties between
China and France. He emphasized the importance of
cultural exchange in fostering understanding between the two
nations, especially as the year 2024
marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the
China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. Praising the exhibition's
innovative approach, Du noted its blend of cultural exhibits,
artistic performances, cultural and creative products, and cultural
entertainment experiences. This, he explained, tells the long
history of China, the unique charm
of Chinese culture, and the modern achievements of Chinese
civilization and provides a convenient lens to deepen the
understanding of international visitors about China in the new era. Du reaffirmed CICG's
commitment to expanding cultural exchanges and fostering mutual
understanding, which he believes will inject new cultural vitality
into the friendly cooperation between the two countries and
contribute to the peaceful development of the world.
Yang Xinyu underscored the
importance of culture in enriching lives and promoting inclusive,
innovative, and resilient societies. She applauded the exhibition
for showcasing the beauty of China
through cultural relics from UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, as well
as demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship. This, Yang noted,
highlights the vitality and influence of Chinese culture, evident
in popular cultural products, inspiring cultural ideas, and subtle
daily life inspirations.
Philippe Folliot in his speech
looked back at the moments of friendly exchanges between
China and France over the past 60 years. He said that
cultural exchanges have become ballasts for bilateral collaboration
and dialogue. He emphasized the exhibition's role in fostering
intercultural dialogue and mutual respect.
Vincent Montagne emphasized the
importance of books as vehicles for cultural exchange and dialogues
between different civilizations. He commended the exhibition for
showcasing China's cultural
heritage and providing a platform for cross-cultural understanding.
He also expressed optimism for enhanced cooperation between the
publishing industries of China and
France.
Bénédicte Epinay in her speech expressed a desire to strengthen
dialogue between Chinese and French handicraft artists. This, she
believes, will deepen understanding between Eastern and Western
civilizations and enabling more fruitful cooperation and exchanges
between China and France.
The exhibition features four sections: the Chinese Civilization
Exhibition Area, the Central Activity Area, the Beijing Culture
Exhibition Area, and the Specialty Culture Exhibition Area. These
sections showcase a variety of iconic cultural elements, including
the Central Plains culture, the Hehe Culture, the Yellow River
culture, the Yangtze River culture, and the Greater Bay Area
culture, ethnic minority cultures, and the Chinese dragon. It also
exhibits brand events and cultural products, including the Orchid
Awards, Chinese Keywords, China-France Dialogue, Beijing Culture
Forum, and the Hehe Culture Global Forum. Alongside the exhibition,
there are thematic promotion events such as Beijing Theme Day,
National Museum Theme Day, Shandong Theme Day, as well as a series
of cultural exchange activities, including the "Beijing Meets
Paris" Dual-City Story Dialogue and the China-France Dialogue on
Promoting the Exchange and Mutual Learning of Civilizations.
The exhibition showcases about 600 varieties and 2,000 unique
exhibits under four categories: thematic books, bronze and
porcelain wares, arts and crafts, and cultural and creative
products. Thematic books include the multilingual "Chinese
Keywords" series, the China Library series, the Four Great
Classical Novels series, the Hehe Culture series, and the Yangtze
River Culture series. Bronze and porcelain ware exhibits included
the Four-goat Square Zun, Jun ware from Henan, Meipu celadon,
Zhengshang ware, Guan ware, and Ru ware. Chinese character artworks
and flower-and-bird paintings using Henan
Bian embroidery techniques are representative artistic
works. Cultural and creative products include dragon-costume
wearing Bing Dwen Dwen, Beijing
silk figurines, the mascot of the Grand Canal Baxia, Taizhou
embroidery, and Jungar egg carving. The exhibition also featured
traditional Chinese folk music performances, folk songs in desert
areas, and tea culture experiences.
The 12-day exhibition is organized by CICG, undertaken by the
ACCWS, co-organized by China International Book Trading
Corporation, Foreign Languages Press (FLP), and Beijing Bosheng
International Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd, and supported by the
Chinese Embassy in France.
Adding depth to the showcase were three national cultural
institutions, namely, the National Museum of China, China Public Relations Association, and
Poly Culture Group.
Nine publicity and cultural departments from Beijing, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan,
Shanxi, Taizhou (Zhejiang), Chuxiong (Yunnan), and Jungar Banner (Erdos, Inner
Mongolia) also participated. Notably, CICG affiliates ACCWS and
FLP, alongside think tanks and publishing institutions, further
enriched the exhibition.
Founded in 1904, the Foire de Paris, known initially as the Exposition
Universelle, is one of the world's most prestigious and
comprehensive exhibitions, serving as a platform showcasing
national images and promoting global cultures.
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SOURCE China.org.cn