Exploring 5,000 Years of Civilization Secrets in Hangzhou

Unveiling the Ancient Treasures of Hangzhou



In June 2025, a group of global researchers descended upon Hangzhou to uncover the secrets of a 5,000-year-old civilization. The program, named ‘Hangzhou Seekers’, was a unique initiative by the Hangzhou International Communication Center, aimed at fostering a dialogue between different cultures. David Ringo Miano, a noted American historian, was among the participants and was visibly moved by what he encountered. He exclaimed, “This is even more astonishing than I could have imagined!” while gazing through a perfect-shaped hole in a jade disc from the Liangzhu Museum.

The Liangzhu site, known for its intricate artifacts, has long been a focal point for historians and archaeologists. During their five-day immersion, the diverse group consisting of scholars, artists, and thought leaders from ten different countries engaged in rich discussions and explorations, bridging the ancient with the modern. One of the most intriguing artifacts discovered was a black ceramic jug adorned with mysterious symbols. This sparked a wave of intercultural interest, leading to vibrant discussions among the participants.

Greek anthropologist Christina Papageorgopoulou drew striking parallels between these ancient designs and modern Greek ceramics. She noted, “These patterns remind me of motifs found in contemporary Greek pottery!” This connection between cultures highlighted the shared human experience reflected in art across time and geography.

Egyptian curator Remonda Fayez Michel also found resonances with her own culture's past. She remarked upon the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Liangzhu civilization, recognizing a spiritual kinship with ancient Egyptian practices of controlling water.

Italian documentarian Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso was enthralled by the cinematic beauty of misty rains over West Lake, capturing stunning footage that showcased the tropical ambiance of the area. The natural beauty of Hangzhou captured the imaginations of many, while Turkish journalist Tunç Akkoç recited poet Su Shi’s 11th-century verses, claiming, “Poetry breathes soul into these waters.”

Moreover, the exploration of Hangzhou’s tea culture proved to be an enlightening experience. Thai conductor Kittiporn Tantrarungroj honored his Chinese heritage by tracing the character for ‘Chen’ in the froth of his matcha tea, illustrating the deep connections within cultural traditions. Simultaneously, German photographer Gunther Riehle captured the emerald tea terraces, revealing their lush beauty despite the pouring rain.

Among these discoveries, an unforgettable moment occurred on Qiandao Lake, where participants engaged in a massive fishing event, retrieving around 15 tons of silver carp. Gunther noted, “This energy reflects the vitality of Hangzhou.”

The journey was not just confined to historical exploration; the high-speed train ride from the urban skyline to misty mountain peaks astonished Francisca Molinero, a director at an international school in Spain, who marveled at the ecological harmony manifest in this journey.

The program was marked by a commitment to dialogue and exchange, emphasizing that the magic of civilizations lies not in isolation but in conversation. On the final day, the ‘Seekers’ partnered with families from Hangzhou for a practical urban journey, culminating in a farewell banquet by the lakeside at ‘Moveable Feast’, where participants, alongside local chefs, created dishes from their respective cuisines.

The experience underscored the importance of culture and human connection in understanding the past. As the Great Canal flows under ancient bridges, the dialogue between people and cultures cannot be contained. It is highly likely that soon the world will hear the echoes of this dialogue transformed into a symphony of voices from both shores of the Mediterranean and across the Pacific Ocean. Watch the documentary here.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.