#Germany #Frankfurt #Chinese culture #Lion Forest Garden #Suzhou Gardens

The Launch of 'Harmony Between the Universe'

On October 9th, 2026, the Frankfurt Book Fair became the backdrop for the launch of a remarkable book titled Harmony Between the Universe: International Perspectives on the Lion Forest Garden. This event was not just a celebration of artistic achievements but also a meaningful discussion on the integration of ecological principles within urban settings.

Organized by the China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd. and hosted by the Suzhou Lion Forest Garden Management Office, the launch was marked by speeches from notable figures in the fields of culture, ecology, and international dialogue. Sun Yan, the Head of the Education and Culture Office at the Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt, emphasized the book's role in conveying the ecological philosophies embedded in classical Chinese gardens, which provide critical insights for today's green urban development efforts.

Frankfurt Book Fair's Vice President, Claudia Kaiser, shared her personal connection with Suzhou's gardens, recalling her visits during her studies in Nanjing. She acknowledged the timely resonance of the book, which aims to broaden international appreciation of Oriental culture and its stunning gardens.

The event also featured video messages from key contributors and officials, including Qian Yucheng, Deputy Director of the Suzhou Administrative Bureau of Gardens and Landscaping; Zhu Haijun, Head of the Division of Cooperation and Exchange; and Zhang Jie, Director of the Suzhou Lion Forest Garden Management Office. Such dialogues underscored a significant transition in the way the gardens of Suzhou communicate their rich culture, moving beyond mere presentation to a more engaging two-way interaction with global audiences.

British sinologist James Trapp, a contributor to the book, provided his perspective in a video address, highlighting that the authors aimed not to prescribe a singular interpretation of the garden but instead to present various avenues for engaging with its layered meanings. Similarly, Serbian sinologist Ivana Babic eloquently remarked that nothing fulfills the longing for a poetic existence in unison with nature quite like traditional Chinese garden aesthetics.

Among the other video addresses were insights from the book's editor-in-chief Paolo Vincenzo Genovese, a distinguished Italian scholar, along with contributions from international figures such as Danish garden artist Stig L. Andersson, American sinologist Shelly Bryant, Turkish sinologist Giray Fidan, and Polish sinologist Jan Jakub Żywczok. Each shared their initial inspirations for participating in the project, reflecting on how the creative process unfolded.

In essence, Harmony Between the Universe serves as a vibrant testament to the cultural exchanges between China and the international community, spotlighting the invaluable lessons that Oriental gardens have to impart. As cities strive for sustainability in an ever-urbanizing world, the book offers not just artistic appreciation but also practical wisdom drawn from centuries of garden philosophy.

The launch event was a resounding reminder of the beauty and complexity inherent in the relationship between humanity and nature, and how these connections can be translated into modern architecture and urban life. Through this publication, readers are invited to explore the magnificence of the Lion Forest Garden and the broader world of Chinese culture, which continues to inspire and educate across borders.