By Bie Wei | Translated by Chen Jie | Reviewed by He Ying
On June 27, Professor Li Guangzhi from Ningbo University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages joined more than 50 international scholars at Dongqian Lake for "Song Dynasty Resonance: East-West Cultural Exchange". Co-hosted by Zhejiang Chinese Culture Overseas Promotion Association and academic units including NBU’s research institutes, the event blended heritage exploration with scholarly dialogue.
Immersive Cultural Trails
During the morning heritage trail, international and Chinese guests gathered at Fuquan Mountain Summit—gaining firsthand insights into the region's vibrant practices in eco-conservation and culture-tourism integration. The morning’s heritage trail featured:
Mountain Summit Insights: Examining ecological preservation at Fuquan Peak
Lakeside Heritage Walk: Tracing Song Dynasty architectural influences along Phoenix Lake
Tea Ceremony Revival: Practicing traditional diancha (whisking powdered tea) techniques at Longtan Teahouse
International attendees wore Song-style attire while trying touhu (arrow pitching) and chuiwan (lawn bowling), bridging ancient customs with modern cultural exchange.
Academic Dialogues: Decoding Cultural Heritage
At the symposium’s core session “Song Legacy: Past to Present”, Professor Li Guangzhi (Director, Japanese Studies Institute) analyzed Ningbo’s historical cultural pathways to Japan. Key perspectives included:
Trade Relics Research: Dr. Qian Yanhui connected Yue Kiln ceramics to Maritime Silk Road exchanges
Innovation Frameworks: Scholars proposed digital strategies for cultural IP development
Global Youth Perspectives: International students advocated immersive tech-driven storytelling
Cultural Gifts, Lasting Bonds
“We will continue leveraging Song Dynasty culture as a vessel to excavate Dongqian Lake's contemporary significance,” stated Dai Xiafei, Deputy Dean of Ningbo Chinese Culture Institute. “Through diverse research activities, we'll enable more people to touch the essence of Song civilization wisdom, integrating this heritage into modern life – revitalizing ancient insights for today's world.” The gifting ceremony featured:
Rare Song Dynasty literature donated to overseas scholars
Calligraphy masterpieces by artist Zou Daming, including a 5-meter scroll
Cultural souvenirs symbolizing Ningbo’s open spirit
“Such exchanges transform historical wisdom into contemporary dialogue”, noted Zhejiang Chinese Culture Institute Vice Dean Shen Huihong. The event reinforced Dongqian Lake’s role as a timeless bridge for global cultural understanding.
