The China Story
at your Fingertips
OPEN
China Daily launched Vision China in 2018 as a bridge for communication between China and the rest of the world. Focusing on developments in both China and abroad, Vision China invites well-known opinion leaders to share their ideas on a wide range of topics.
Sept 12, 2024?–?"Inspiration from the Past, Vision for the Future",?New York, US
June 9, 2024 – "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future", Jinzhou, Liaoning province
The five prominent characteristics of the Chinese civilization have enriched the building of a modern civilization for the Chinese nation, according to Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily.
Speaking at a Vision China event in Jinzhou, Northeast China's Liaoning province on Sunday, Qu said the growing situation the world faces involves an evolution of changes with a magnitude unseen in a century, and so it's important to enhance international communication.
"We need to tell China's stories well, such as the story of the modern civilization of the Chinese nation, and showcase the glorious chapter of China's modernization through vivid practice and diversified cultural heritage on this land, including Liaoning," said Qu.
He cited the example of Liaoning and analyzed how its past reflects the five prominent features of the Chinese civilization: consistency, originality, uniformity, inclusiveness and peacefulness.
Liaoning boasts many sites of Hongshan culture, a key Neolithic culture that covered parts of today's Liaoning and Hebei provinces, as well as the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
In the early 1980s, archaeologists discovered the Niuheliang Site dating back 5,000 to 5,500 years in Chaoyang, Liaoning, marking a milestone in the study of Hongshan culture.
"Hongshan culture, hailed as 'one of the most important tap roots in the total root system of Chinese culture', is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization," said Qu. "With various archaeological discoveries of Hongshan culture such as dragon-shaped jade artifacts and the head sculpture of a goddess, as well as related sites, the verifiable history of Chinese civilization can be traced back much earlier than previously believed."
Moreover, Yiwulyu Mountain in Jinzhou is where a lot of historical stories spanning more than four millennia were written, from the time of the early legendary ruler Shun to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
As a result, in Liaoning, people can see the dawn of China's 5,000-plus years of civilization and trace its continuous development to this day, reflecting the consistency of the Chinese civilization, he said.
Since Hongshan culture is renowned for its exquisite jade artifacts, they embody the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors, as a reflection of the originality of the Chinese civilization, Qu said.
The industrial progress of modern Liaoning also demonstrates this feature, as the province became the "first industrial base of New China" with symbolic innovative achievements, according to Qu.
Liaoning is home to many "firsts" in New China, including being the place where the first high-powered internal combustion locomotive and first fighter jet were built, and where the first synthetic petroleum in China was made. The first domestic aircraft carrier and first underwater glider also came from the province.
"Liaoning, the fast-changing traditional industrial area, is vigorously developing new quality productive forces and promoting overall revitalization with comprehensive innovation," said Qu.
The inclusive nature of Chinese civilization is evident in Liaoning's diverse population, which includes all 56 ethnic groups in China. The province has fostered interaction and integration among these groups, with ethnic minorities accounting for over 15 percent of the total population, he said.
He also mentioned the similarities in Liaoning's and southern China's cultural elements, and that the Liaoning people's fight against imperialist aggression in the 20th century was vivid testimony to the uniformity and peacefulness of the Chinese civilization.
"We have drawn strength and confidence from cultural inheritance and development. We are striding forward toward promoting cultural prosperity, building up China's cultural strength and constructing a modern civilization for the Chinese nation," said Qu.
These days, Liaoning is accelerating the construction of a new northeastern land and sea channel to Mongolia and Russia, and integrating itself deeply into the grand picture of the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.
"China is offering the international community a constant stream of new opportunities in the new era with its higher level of opening-up and high-quality development," said Qu.
wangru1@chinadaily.com.cn
The youth dialogue segment of Vision China invited young representatives from various countries, who had just completed a two-day tour of historical attractions and scenic areas across Liaoning, to share their insights on exploring Chinese culture and protecting cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the tour, Aleksandra Antonenko, a Russian youth representative who holds a master's degree in Chinese politics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said that Liaoning made her feel at home.
"With its vast farmland and coastline, the food here is exceptionally fresh and delicious. I believe many tourists from Russia will love Liaoning," she said.
The young woman began a social media channel with her boyfriend, a native of Shanghai, last year.
"Through the channel, we can tell China's stories, share our personal perspectives and create a more understandable image for our fellows from other countries," she said.
Similarly, Bence Lengyel, a postgraduate student from Renmin University of China, has traveled to more than 30 cities across China. Since 2022, he has been sharing his travel logs and photos in a monthly online column for The China Cultural Center in Budapest, Hungary.
"Throughout my stay in China, one of my main goals should be to represent this beautiful country to my people back home as much as possible," he said.
When asked about the most important factors in telling China's story, he said, "The most important thing is to stay trustworthy and be open, to communicate with people, especially those whose opinions differ from ours."
Throughout the two-day trip, Lengyel was impressed by the strong sense of pride the local people in Liaoning have for their cultural heritage and history.
"Our tour guide at the Wunyushan Mountain scenic area was a woman from the Manchu ethnic group. As we hiked, she not only talked about the history of the mountain but also shared her own life stories with us. I think it's very important for us to understand how important it is to protect our cultural heritage. It represents not just our country, but also who we really are," he said.
He emphasized the need for international students in China to understand not only their own cultural heritage but also that of other countries. He believes that in the future, they might have the chance to positively influence the cultural heritage of others, fostering greater understanding and collaboration through partnerships.
Hryshayeva Katsiaryna, a Belorussian doctoral student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University, agreed. "I think that cultural heritage serves as a link between the past, present and future and connects people to their roots," she said.
While discussing the impact of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies on heritage protection, she expressed a positive viewpoint.
She said that the emergence of AI technologies has opened up new opportunities for cultural preservation. For example, VR can create exact replicas of cultural artifacts, which educators, the public, researchers and conservationists can use. AI algorithms can identify damage and plan for restoration. Additionally, AI can aid in protecting cultural heritage sites through environmental monitoring and data analytics, detecting potential risks like temperature and humidity changes.
"Of course, AI can have some disadvantages. But if we balance AI technologies with concerns, we can curate our heritage in a sustainable and inclusive way for future generations," she added.
Clara Puspita Kusuma, an Indonesian student at the University of International Business and Economics who has been living in Beijing for a year, said she learned more about the diversity of Chinese culture during her trip in Liaoning.
She believes such activities help boost cross-cultural understanding and exchange. "Through firsthand experience, mutual respect can be fostered. As a foreigner in China, I see myself as representing my country, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia. During my time here in Liaoning and my stay in China, I've met many people interested in my country. We share our cultures and have meaningful cultural experiences together," she said.
xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn
At the Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future" on June 9, Liu Huiyan, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, head of the Committee's Publicity Department, noted that Liaoning holds countless cultural treasures waiting to be discovered and mysterious stories waiting to be uncovered.
"We sincerely welcome everyone to visit Jinzhou frequently, to experience the unique charm of this heroic red city, " said Liu Kewu, the secretary of the CPC Jinzhou Municipal Committee at the latest Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future". He also mentioned that Jinzhou is dedicated to preserving and protecting the treasures of Chinese culture.
The latest Vision China event, themed "Treasuring the past, Enriching the future", was held in Jinzhou, Liaoning, on Sunday. Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, noted that Liaoning's resilience, evident in Hongshan Culture's weaponless sites, showcases the peaceful roots of Chinese civilization.
At the Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future" on June 9, international student Bence Lengyel from Renmin University of China shared his experience in Liaoning province. He thinks it is really important to understand the importance of protecting cultural heritage. Because "it not just represents our country, but also represents who we really are."
"The highlight of the trip is Wunvshan Mountain, it is really hard to climb the 999 steps. I am so shocked when we reached the top, the scenery was so beautiful!" said Clara Puspita Kusuma, an international student of University of International Business and Economics at the latest Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future".
At the Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future" on June 9, international student Aleksandra Antonenko, who is from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, shared her experience as a Chinese culture vlogger. She thinks "everything in China is about art" and hopes to tell more Chinese stories in her own way.
"The sparkles of civilization shone across the vast land of China like stars," said writer Zhu Yong, research librarian at the Palace Museum and director of the Palace Museum Cultural Communication Research Institute at the latest Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future".
"Tech enhances cultural exchange. But one thing I've come to understand while traveling in every province in China is, there will always be value in meeting person-to-person, face-to-face and hand-in-hand to better see eye-to-eye. The personal touch can't be replaced with any number of ones and zeroes," China Daily senior journalist Erik Nilsson emphasized at a Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future" on June 9.
At the Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future" on June 9, Steve Brown, Senior research fellow at the University of Canberra's Center for Creative & Cultural Research, highlighted the rich natural and cultural heritage of China. He noted the long-standing interactions and cultural fusion between the people of China and Australia, with Australia's oldest dragon being a testament to this enduring connection.
"One of the most iconic examples of cultural integration is obviously the Silk Road," said Marcella Festa, associate professor at School of Cultural Heritage of Northwest University at the latest Vision China event themed "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future". She believes that the Belt and Road Initiative not only seeks to foster economic integration, but also enhances regional connectivity.
The enduring legacies of ancient civilizations resonate with those seeking inspiration for the modern world, and Northeast China's Liaoning province appears to be an ideal starting point for such cultural exploration.
The captivating charm of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Liaoning, historically an intersecting point of fishing and hunting, agricultural and nomadic cultures, was demonstrated on Sunday at the Vision China event in Jinzhou, Liaoning.
Jointly organized by China Daily and the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Liaoning Provincial Committee, the event gathered archaeologists, cultural scholars and practitioners from home and abroad, as well as foreign youth representatives in China, to share their experiences and insights under the theme "Treasuring the Past, Enriching the Future".
Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, noted that the event served as a concrete manifestation of thoroughly promoting and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Culture.
Qu listed some of Liaoning's well-known unearthed artifacts and relics sites, as well as industrial achievements since the founding of New China in 1949, all the way through to the current time, when the fast-changing traditional industrial area is vigorously developing new quality productive forces. He noted that all of these demonstrate the five prominent features of Chinese civilization that President Xi Jinping has summarized, namely consistency, originality, uniformity, inclusiveness and peacefulness.
"Against the backdrop of an era where changes on a scale unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerated pace, we need to tell good stories of China and the Chinese civilization, as well as the glorious chapter of the Chinese path to modernization, to the world, on the basis of vivid practices and diversified cultural heritage on this land, including Liaoning," he said.
Liu Huiyan, head of the publicity department of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, said that revitalization of culture — in Liaoning's case a blending of numerous historical legacies and revolutionary and industrial cultural resources — is an essential aspect of the province's endeavor for comprehensive revitalization.
The province is seeking coordinated development of culture, sports and tourism, and has garnered unprecedented vitality and opportunities in cultural undertakings and industries, he added.
Party Secretary of Jinzhou Liu Kewu said the Vision China event was, for Jinzhou, a cultural feast that enhanced mutual learning and exchanges, a precious chance to promote the city, and an opportunity to provide strong support for revitalization and development.
On his inspection to Jinzhou in August 2022, President Xi praised it as a heroic city with a distinctive cultural temperament and profound historical and cultural heritage, and he expressed confidence in and expectations for the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China in the new era.
Liu Kewu said that the city spares no effort to inherit its cultural treasures and prolong its historical lineage, and expressed hope for enhancing friendship and cooperation with experts from all walks of life.
Chang Shana, 93, a respected scholar of Dunhuang arts as well as daughter of Chang Shuhong, founding director of the Dunhuang Academy, sent video congratulations to the event, as did pianist Lang Lang, who was born and raised in Liaoning's provincial capital, Shenyang.
In her keynote speech, Marcella Festa, associate professor at the School of Cultural Heritage at Northwest University in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, highlighted the role of archaeology in enhancing the understanding of human history, bridging cultural gaps and educating future generations.
She said that recent archaeological efforts have revealed the presence of advanced civilizations beyond the Central Plains of China and demonstrated long-standing connections between various regions of Asia since prehistoric times. With projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, more about these ancient societies is expected to be uncovered.
While speaking of Hongshan culture, a key Neolithic culture known for its exquisite jade ware and emerging ritual traditions that encompassed today's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Liaoning and Hebei provinces, Festa said she found it particularly intriguing that the Hongshan people relied on a mix of farming, hunting and fishing for subsistence, which has challenged the conventional belief that only agricultural societies could produce Neolithic cultures.
Zhu Yong, director of the Palace Museum Cultural Communication Research Institute in Beijing, expounded on the name of his home province: "Liao" represents vastness, openness and entrepreneurship, while "ning" embodies the inner pursuit of peace, harmony and tranquility.
This land of cultural integration has shaped the cultural ethos of the people as dynamic, open-minded and enthusiastic, and its culture shines as an outstanding example of the prominent features of Chinese civilization, he said.
Zhong Lina, dean of the Institute for Tourism and Culture Planning at Beijing International Studies University, analyzed Liaoning's cultural richness, noting that a visit to Liaoning enables domestic and foreign tourists to witness a more vivid image of China. This richness stems from Liaoning's pivotal location, connecting Northeast China with the Central Plains region and linking Northeast Asia with inland regions of Eurasia, and where nomadic and agrarian cultures converged.
While celebrating the past treasures, Steve Brown, senior research fellow at the University of Canberra's Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, also called for attention to everyday family heritage and stories that bear importance for modern society, and Erik Nilsson, an expat at China Daily, emphasized the value of a personal touch that cannot be replaced by digital technology in conserving culture and carrying the heritage through the coming decades.
Four youth representatives, from Russia, Hungary, Belarus and Indonesia, shared their understanding of the inheritance, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage during a following roundtable dialogue.
"Vision China" is a series that China Daily launched in 2018.Held at home and abroad and through online platforms, the events serve as a bridge for dialogues between China and the world by inviting well-known Chinese and overseas opinion leaders to give talks and share their ideas. The event in Jinzhou was the 30th edition of the series.
Scan the QR code to watch the live broadcast of the latest Vision China event.
Vision China's upcoming event, themed "Treasuring the past, enriching the future," is set to take place in Jinzhou, Northeast China's Liaoning province. The live broadcast is scheduled for 9:30 am this Sunday.
Guest speakers from both domestic and international backgrounds have just concluded an enriching tour of world cultural heritages in Liaoning. During the event, they will offer insights on preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture while fostering intercultural exchanges.
