A Colombian vlogger who has lived in China for over 20 years said he was impressed with the ancient architecture and cultural elements he witnessed in the historic port city of Quanzhou in east China's Fujian Province.
Addressing a sub-forum of the 12th Global Video Media Forum (VMF) on Tuesday, Internet personality Fernando Munoz Bernal exchanged his stories with other guests on traveling across Quanzhou, a city known as a historic trading port and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Speaking on the characteristic buildings, the heritage, and the alleys he walked through, the vlogger said his visit to the city gave him the realization that history can live outside a museum.
Bernal shared the experience visiting Xunpu Village, where houses are built with a mix of oyster shells and sea mud.
"When we got to the village, we saw a group of ladies that were busy cleaning and opening the oysters. Perhaps you have also seen the flower decoration that women wear, which is absolutely beautiful. When we step inside, we found a small temple that is dedicated to Mazu (Chinese sea goddess) [which] is a very important part of Quanzhou. And to the left and the right we encountered the actual oyster houses. When you place your hand on these oysters, you know that you are touching history, you cannot help to feel a connection with the history of the city," he said.
The two-day VMF event gathered around 200 representatives from mainstream media outlets and international organizations from more than 60 countries and regions in the city.
Hosted by CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+) under the theme "Intelligence Without Frontiers, Vision Beyond The Horizon -- Media's Role in Communication and Cultural Exchange," the forum also saw in-depth discussions on the application and governance of artificial intelligence technologies in the media sector.
Launched by CCTV+ in 2011, the VMF has grown into a premier platform for media professionals from around the world to discuss the latest trends in video content communication and innovation, and aims to foster greater interaction and collaboration between domestic and international media.
Chinese port city brings history to life for Colombian Vlogger
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
