ASEAN media representatives visited Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday, enjoying the centuries-old cultural heritage of the ancient Lingqu Canal scenic spot and exploring modern day Chinese engineering.
The ASEAN Media Partners "China Up Close" Guangxi Tour was a part of the ongoing 2024 ASEAN Media Partners Cooperation Week, which started on Friday.
Located in Guilin City's Xing'an County, Lingqu Canal is an engineering marvel built over 2,000 years ago to connect central China with the Lingnan region, facilitating both trade and cultural exchange.
During the visit, the media group joined a virtual discussion with engineers on the Pinglu Canal, China's first large-scale canal project since the country's founding.
While Lingqu Canal represents China's ancient ingenuity in waterway construction, the Pinglu Canal showcases modern advancements. Currently under construction, the canal will open a direct route from Guangxi to the ASEAN nations, featuring high-tech elements like the world's fastest water-lock gate.
"I am greatly interested in the historical artifacts uncovered during the canal construction and deeply admire China’s efforts to preserve its heritage," said Encik Jelberter anak Robert, a Malaysian journalist.
The delegation also visited the nearby Lingqu Museum, where they explored exhibits telling the story of the canal's construction during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).
ASEAN media delegation explore scenic spots and cultural heritage in Guangxi
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
