Jingdezhen Culture and Tourism Promotion Activity Illuminates London, Crafting a New Chapter in Sino-British Travel and Cultural Exchange
On September 17th, the “All Under One Moon – Jingxiu China”, Jingdezhen Culture and Tourism (London) Promotion Activity hosted by the Jingdezhen Municipal Government, was successfully held in London, UK.
Supported by the China National Tourist Office London, this event brought together over 150 guests from the UK’s cultural, tourism, and media sectors to experience the unique charm of the ancient ceramic capital, Jingdezhen. Renowned for its rich history of ceramic craftsmanship and natural beauty, Jingdezhen is a world-famous international hub for porcelain.
Themed “An Invitation to Jingdezhen: A Journey of Culture, Nature, Romance, and Fashion”, the event aimed to showcase Jingdezhen’s rich cultural heritage and history, while extending a warm invitation to international visitors to experience the harmonious blend of nature and culture that defines the city.
Li Liyan, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang Li, Director of the China National Tourist Office London, HJ Colston, Chairman of the Chopsticks Club, Chris Coe, Chair of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Jonathan Gray, President of the English Ceramic Circle, Sinologist Frances Wood, Cheng Jian, Director of Phoenix CNE TV, and Hu Xuemei, Party Secretary of Jingdezhen attended this event.
Director Zhang Li emphasised in his speech: “As a world-famous ceramic capital, Jingdezhen not only preserves ancient craftsmanship but also plays a vital role in fostering cultural exchange between China and the UK. Historically, Jingdezhen’s porcelain has had a profound influence on European ceramic design, including in the UK, inspiring generations of artists and becoming a symbol of cross-cultural dialogue. We warmly invite you to discover the beauty and unique charm of Jingdezhen, and to experience the hospitality of the Chinese people.” He also highlighted that the Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese celebration of reunion and harmony, serves as a perfect backdrop for deepening cultural understanding between the UK and China, and for enhancing future cooperation in culture and tourism.
Party Secretary of Jingdezhen Hu Xuemei also addressed the audience, remarking, “Historically, Jingdezhen’s porcelain travelled across the world via the Maritime Silk Road. In the future, we will continue to tell China’s story with care, using the ‘small ‘china’ to narrate the grandeur of ‘China,’ showcasing our nation’s cultural confidence. We are committed to ensuring the ‘Millennium Porcelain Capital’ remains a bright and shining cultural landmark.”
The event featured captivating performances, including porcelain musical renditions of “Blue and White Porcelain,” “Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon,” and the British classic “Scarborough Fair,” allowing the audience to experience the elegance and charm of porcelain through music.
A highlight of the day was the martial arts demonstration by the British social media influencer “Kung Fu Fam,” which embodied the strength and grace of traditional Chinese martial arts.
The 2024 China Tourism Ambassador, Kexin Fang (an Italian enthusiast of the Chinese language), delivered a heartfelt recitation of Su Shi’s classic poem “When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright.” Accompanied by the melodious tunes of porcelain music, her performance vividly brought out the essence of traditional Chinese culture and was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
This event not only showcased Jingdezhen’s rich cultural heritage but also facilitated the signing of a cooperation agreement between Jingdezhen and London cultural and tourism enterprises, further strengthening the bridge for cross-cultural exchanges between the two cities.
