“The Exhibition of the World Heritage City Quanzhou and Its Intangible Cultural Heritage – Quanzhou, the Best City Representing China during the Song and Yuan Dynasty” co-hosted by China Cultural Centre in Sydney and Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, organized by Quanzhou Culture, Broadcasting and Tourism Bureau, was successfully opened on 10th August at China Cultural Centre in Sydney. Ms Lv Xiujia, Director of Quanzhou Culture, Broadcasting and Tourism Bureau, participated in the event through a video speech. Around 60 guests attended the event, including Mr Xiao Xiayong, Director of China Cultural Centre and China National Tourist Office in Sydney, Ms Kerime Danis, Director at City Plan Heritage, Members of International Council on Monuments and Sites Advisory Committee, Former President of Australia ICOMOS, Ms Margaret Kelly, President of the Australia-China Friendship Society NSW branch, Ms Zeng Yi, Executive Chairman of Australia China Economics, Trade and Culture Association, Mr Wu Wenda, President of Australia Jinjiang Hometown Association, guests from Chinese and Australian arts, tourism, business, overseas Chinese communities, as well as journalists from Xinhua News Agency, China News Service, People’s Daily Online Australia, Southeast Net Australia, Australian Chinese Daily.
Mr Xiao Xiayong stated that “this exhibition applies outstanding artistic language to interpret the communication and blending of Quanzhou’s old and new, sea and land, and local and exotic, which would bring audiences back to China’s Song and Yuan Dynasties (960—1368) for a good touch at the city’s diversified maritime civilization and its open and inclusive spirits. We expect to provide our Australian friends with a wonderful hand-on opportunity into the wonder of the world heritage city of Quanzhou, and promote mutual people-to-people communication and cooperation of China and Australia”.
Ms Kerime Danis said that Quanzhou was selected for the World Heritage List because of its integrity, authenticity and conservation measures, reflecting the unique and outstanding spatial structure of the port city during a specific historical period, which contributed to the development of Quanzhou from the 10th to the 14th centuries as a maritime centre of the trade networks in East Asia and South-East Asia. She also stated that the reason why the Chinese culture is so impressed because the Chinese culture and tradition have been passed down from generation to generation. We can see that the young generation in Quanjiang are participating in the intangible cultural programme. I think it is the way to keep the cultural tradition ongoing and pass down to the next generation.
In her video speech, Ms Lv Xiujia stated that “in July 2021, Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song Yuan China was inscribed on the World Heritage List, becoming a common wealth for all mankind. Today’s exhibition takes Quanzhou’s World Heritage as its theme to demonstrate the inclusiveness of the Chinese civilization, and the shared prosperity of mankind. The colorful maritime civilization, the rich and unique Song and Yuan cultures, the amazing cuisines combining Chinese and foreign flavours, and the city’s bustling vibe have attracted more and more people to come to Quanzhou and fall in love with Quanzhou. We sincerely invite friends from all over the world to visit Quanzhou, and to experience the charisma to Song-Yuan China”.
The exhibition will be on display at China Cultural Centre in Sydney until 6th October.
