2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, during which a series of grand cultural events were held in both countries. Among them, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" cultural exhibition. At the invitation of the China International Culture Association under the Ministry of Culture, the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" exhibition once again went abroad and was recently held in Paris, France, to more extensively and deeply showcase the culture of Yuanmingyuan and the "Three Hills and Five Gardens." The mysterious and time-honored door to Chinese civilization, represented by "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan," has once again opened to the people of Europe.
"Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" is an exhibition brand that Yuanmingyuan has been fully developing since 2012, aiming to promote Yuanmingyuan and traditional Chinese culture to international audiences. From 2012 to 2013, the exhibition was held in Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and at Beijing’s Century Altar, all of which were warmly welcomed and achieved unprecedented success. In the words of Mr. Shi Mingde, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany: "The Yuanmingyuan cultural exhibition has sparked a new wave of China fever." Mr. Koch, Director of the German Historical Museum, commented: "To me, Yuanmingyuan is an extraordinary architectural complex. It also serves an important commemorative function, carrying the Chinese people's vigilance over a humiliating past." Mr. Titarenko, Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association, said: "The 'Splendors of Yuanmingyuan' exhibition shows how the Chinese people learn from historical lessons and experiences, and tirelessly develop a great culture. This is highly respectable and commendable, and the Chinese people have set an example for all of us."
The exhibition opened on the morning of September 8 at the European Times Cultural Center in Paris, one of its sub-venues. That evening, the main venue, the New China Photo Gallery in Paris, began its simultaneous exhibition. Dong Junxin, Vice President of the China International Culture Association, Li Shaoping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in France, Sui Zhenjiang, Secretary of the Haidian District Committee, Marc Piton, the French overall coordinator of the 50th anniversary activities of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, Jean-Noël Jeanneney, Director of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, as well as about a hundred other friendly individuals and experts from various sectors in France, including the French Society for Chinese Architecture, attended the opening ceremony that evening.
Speech by Marc Piton, the French overall coordinator of the 50th anniversary activities of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations
During the Paris exhibition that evening, these exquisite models captured the attention of all the media and audience. The magical craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture—forming sturdy, beautiful, and reliable structures without nails or glue—left them lingering, observing carefully, and full of admiration. One French visitor who had seen the exhibition said: "The exhibition allowed me to see the charm of Beijing’s culture and the friendship between China and France. I hope that we and our descendants can pass on this friendship."
At the same time, the exhibition also presented the fruitful results of the Digital Yuanmingyuan project: screening the film "Recreating Yuanmingyuan" to display the glorious splendor of Yuanmingyuan in its heyday; using holographic displays to showcase Yuanmingyuan’s collection of cultural relics, and digitally presenting the artistic charm of its rich collection. Additionally, for the first time, the latest research findings on the restoration of the Western-style buildings were displayed using digital holography, including the restored effects of the Haiyantang, Xieqiqu, and Dashuifa. Other exhibits included the props "Twelve Zodiac Animal Heads" from Jackie Chan’s movie "Chinese Zodiac," a jade carving panorama of Yuanmingyuan, and stone component replicas such as Yuanmingyuan boundary stones, stone fish, and Western-style building stone components, allowing European audiences to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the charm of traditional Chinese culture and garden culture represented by Yuanmingyuan. During the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" exhibition, the "Beijing Garden" exhibition was also held concurrently at the European Times Cultural Center.
The return of "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" to Europe on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations has received high praise from all walks of life both domestically and internationally. It is believed that the "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" series of exhibitions carries the historic mission of promoting cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, spreading the essence and rich spiritual connotations of China’s long-standing philosophy of valuing harmony. It will not only leave a profound mark in the history of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, but its artistic and humanistic value will also surely drive the development of global cultural exchange.
Bai Jie, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing International Culture Association, expressed the hope that through "Splendors of Yuanmingyuan" and the two exhibitions, French audiences could understand the deep friendship between China and France and between their peoples, and experience the art of Yuanmingyuan and the beauty of Beijing. Li Shaoping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in France, stated that this year, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, approximately 800 exchange and celebration activities were held in the two countries, with cultural activities making up a significant proportion. Culture is the bond that connects the emotions of the peoples of the two countries, and he hoped that these two cultural exhibitions would further enhance the friendship and mutual understanding between China and France.
Both exhibitions are part of the activities within the framework of the 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and are also special gifts from China’s capital, Beijing, to the 50th anniversary. Marc Piton, the French overall coordinator of the 50th anniversary celebration activities of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency at the opening ceremony of the exhibition that he had visited Yuanmingyuan three times and was deeply impressed by its beautiful scenery and cultural heritage. He said that the exhibition coming to Paris on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations would undoubtedly provide more opportunities for the French public to learn about China and add important content to China-France cultural exchanges.
Dong Junxin, Vice President of the China International Culture Association, said in his speech that cultural exchanges between