#China #Guangzhou #Understanding China #Aksu culture #Guangzhou event

Guangzhou Hosts a Landmark Cultural Heritage Conference

From December 2 to 4, 2024, the city of Guangzhou played host to the 2024 Understanding China Conference, an event orchestrated by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy. This gathering marked a significant effort to explore and showcase China’s diverse cultural heritage, with a special spotlight on Aksu, a city known for its historical richness located in Xinjiang. The collaboration between these two cities underscores a commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and the importance of heritage preservation.

Focus on Cultural Exchange and Youth Engagement

One of the primary motivations for the conference was to engage global youth in meaningful cultural exchanges. Aksu, which holds historical significance as Qiuci, previously thrived along the ancient Silk Road, serving as a melting pot for various civilizations. The conference accentuated the narrative of Aksu's Qiuci culture, which represents deep-rooted interactions among different ethnic groups in China and celebrates the diversity of global civilizations.

The Seminar on Qiuci Heritage

During the conference, a key seminar titled “Reviving Qiuci: Preserving and Passing Down Cultural Heritage under Chinese Modernization” attracted a variety of experts and scholars. The session focused on the profound cultural legacy of Qiuci, featuring the debut of the Qiuci Grottoes Digital Exhibition. This initiative aims to promote dialogue and collaborative efforts in preserving cultural heritage worldwide.

The discussions revolved around how platforms for digital storytelling could enhance public engagement with Qiuci’s history. The seminar served not just as an academic discussion but as a call to action for collaborative endeavors in preserving these irreplaceable cultural treasures.

Promoting Aksu Through Digital Media

A significant highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the Understanding China New Youth Exploring Xinjiang – Aksu 2024 Short Video Conference. This initiative empowered young creators to express their unique experiences and impressions of Aksu through short videos. By involving youth in such initiatives, the conference aimed to bridge the generational gap and deepen cultural connections.

Historical Significance of Aksu

As a city rich in history, Aksu's Qiuci culture not only reflects the harmonious blend of various civilizations but also serves as a crucial element of China’s multi-ethnic identity. Wu Hongzhan, Secretary of the Aksu Prefectural Party Committee, highlighted that Qiuci culture signifies the intertwined relationships among China’s ethnic groups and illustrates the tradition of welcoming global perspectives. Yu Zhiyong, Vice President of Xinjiang’s Cultural and Museum Bureau, remarked that Qiuci stands as a testament to China’s commitment to understanding its own diverse history and the importance of cultural dialogue in today’s world.

International Praise and Global Dialogue

The conference also received international commendations, including comments from former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who praised the initiative to revitalize Qiuci culture. He emphasized that such efforts reflect China’s dedication to global cultural dialogue and mutual respect. The understanding and sharing of diverse cultures can pave the way for collaborative progress among nations.

Empowering the Next Generation

The overarching message of this year’s conference was the transformative power of youth in bridging cultural gaps. Through the creation of compelling digital content and engaging storytelling, young people are becoming active participants in the global cultural landscape, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that connect tradition with modernity.

By facilitating platforms for youth engagement and cultural exchange, the 2024 Understanding China Conference not only strengthened China’s cultural narrative but also inspired new generations to take part in enriching the global cultural mosaic.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Guangzhou and Aksu at the conference point toward a promising future for cultural dialogue and heritage preservation, emphasizing the vital role of youth in sustaining and sharing China’s rich cultural identity with the world.