Intl talents soak up Chinese culture along Beijing Central Axis

A group of international talents and their families from nine countries and regions worldwide, including the United States, Germany, France, and Pakistan, embarked on an immersive cultural journey along the historic southern stretch of the Beijing Central Axis on Aug 17.

The expedition was orchestrated by the Beijing Overseas Talents Center in collaboration with the Organization Department of the Xicheng District Committee of the Community Party of China.

The cultural odyssey unfolded in the wake of the 700-year-old Beijing Central Axis’ inscription on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during a session held in India on July 27. Extending 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north, the axis holds significant historical and cultural value.

The journey began with a dive into traditional Chinese craftsmanship, specifically lacquer fan-making. Engaging in the hands-on crafting process, participants were enraptured by the intricate artistry and vivid hues of this traditional craft.

Subsequently, attendees ventured to the Tianqiao Impression Museum, stepping through a temporal gateway where the fusion of ancient culture and contemporary vibrancy captivated their senses. Within the museum's confines, they unraveled the rich legacy of the Tianqiao area as the cradle of Beijing's folk art, bearing witness to the genesis and inheritance of numerous cultural treasures.

Continuing their journey, the delegation toured iconic landmarks in the southern segment of the axis, including Simianzhong, or the Four-sided Clock, and the statues of Badaguai, or Eight Strange Performers of Tianqiao, immersing themselves in the distinctive regional charm and cultural allure of ancient Beijing. Many expressed a sense of being transported to the bustling scenes of bygone eras.

They also explored the wonders of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum and Yongding Gate, admiring the grandeur and meticulous designs of traditional Chinese architecture.

As the event drew to a close, attendees shared their heartfelt reflections on the experience. Burkhard Risse, a translator from the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, noted, "Berlin, capital of Germany, also boasts an east-west axis with a vast forest park nearby, reminiscent of Beijing's Nanyuan. Beijing is a captivating city steeped in cultural heritage, featuring hutong, the Bell and Drum Towers, and houses with glazed tile roofs, all exuding beauty and a distinctive charm."

Manan Khan, a doctor at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, shared, "To truly comprehend China, one must delve into its traditions and history. A visit to Beijing is imperative. Beijing and its denizens have preserved their ancient history. The city radiates warmth, with hospitable locals and a serene ambiance. I am drawn to places with a traditional ambiance and inhabitants who cherish their historical roots."

This event serves as an integral part of the 2024 Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Foreign Talents Carnival, which will offer a plethora of captivating activities ahead to provide international talents with further avenues to explore and integrate into Beijing and China as a whole.