The second season of "Encountering Civilizations," a cultural program by China Media Group (CMG), premiered on CCTV-4 at 19:30 on Friday, tracing the development of Chinese civilization and its global impact.
Starting from Jan 11, 2025, the show will air every Saturday at the same time.
This season, themed "exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations," features 12 episodes covering topics like Chinese jade culture, ceramics, lacquerware, silk, traditional Chinese medicine, the Spring Festival, and the Tao Te Ching - the work of Laozi, a Chinese sage who founded the Taoism school of philosophical thought over 2,500 years ago.
Through dialogs between experts from China and abroad, field visits and creative performances, the program traces the evolution of Chinese civilization, and illustrates its positive impact on the world so as to expand the global presence and influence of Chinese culture.
Nearly 60 scholars and experts from across the globe will contribute their unique academic insights, helping viewers understand cultural exchanges and the mutual enrichment of civilizations.
The show also innovatively integrates AR technology to bring to life "objects of mutual learning" - cultural artifacts, traditional customs, philosophies, and practices that embody the rich values of civilizations.
In the premiere episode, Chinese and international guests explored ancient jade artifacts, illustrating how jade has witnessed the unfolding journey of Chinese civilization.
They also discussed the history of jade's global dissemination, its exquisite craftsmanship, and the aesthetic connections and contrasts between China and Western countries, taking viewers on a journey to deeply appreciate the charm of jade as a symbol of Chinese heritage.
2nd season of CMG program highlighting cultural exchanges premieres
With the Year of the Snake a little more than three weeks away, accessories and gifts theming featuring the zodiac animal sign ranging from traditional embroidered sachets to modern gold jewelry are surging in popularity across China, with demand notably increasing.
In Qingyang City, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, a sachet-making company is bustling to fulfill orders for the final batch of snake-themed sachets.
The company's manager said there has been a significant surge in orders for the product.
"Order for snake-themed sachets have increased by 40 percent compared to before," said Jin Liangliang, the manager.
In Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, part of Mianyang in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Chen Yunzhen, an inheritor of traditional Qiang embroidery, has also designed a snake-themed sachet.
With the snake adorned with iconic flowers of the area at its head and tail, the sachet is filled with mugwort and features a coin symbolizing prosperity.
"Here is a coin we designed, which carries the wish that the gift receiver will have no lack of money to spend in the entire year. We hope that everyone who sees this little snake will have a prosperous year and see their wishes come true," Chen said.
Meanwhile, gold stores in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan Province, are experiencing a surge in sales.
Young consumers are particularly attracted to lightweight, modern gold accessories featuring snake motifs.
These include charming designs, such as the coiled snake, which are popular for their dainty sizes and diversified style.
"These snake-themed accessories highlight what is lovable about snakes, especially when paired with bracelets that carry auspicious meanings. They sell really well, with sales doubling those of last month," said Niu Lina, a store manager at one of the city's gold shops.
Snake-themed gifts surge in popularity across China
