Asian Civilization Week: discover the charm of Asia

In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the 127th anniversary of Zhejiang University, the first Asian Civilization Week of Zhejiang University commenced grandly on May 10th at the Zhejiang University Art and Archaeology Museum.

Themed Asian Civilizations: Cultural Mutual Learning and Integration, this week-long event encompasses seven key components. These include a special exhibition of the Silk Road, an international academic conference, a series of lectures, a design exhibition featuring Asian relics, a book exhibition, a short video contest, and a clothing show. The aim is to promote the prosperity of Asian civilizations and facilitate the development of relevant disciplines and talent cultivation.

Diverse exhibitions showcase Asian Civilizations

The special exhibition Communication and Innovation: Asian Civilizations on the Silk Road presented over 210 artifacts spanning more than five thousand years, illustrating the emergence, development, fusion, and innovation of major Asian civilizations. 

This exhibition served as an invaluable curatorial exercise. With the museum and academy working in tandem, over 40 Zhejiang University students actively participated under expert guidance in planning, executing, and promoting the online and offline exhibition. This hands-on experience enhanced their ability to interpret cultural artifacts.

The Image Creative Design Exhibition of Asian Cultural Relics, comprised of selected works from the Design Competition, captivated visitors with novel interpretations of relics. The work of XIE Guang'an from School of Art and Archaeology incorporated poems by BAI Juyi and Henri Matisse's painting Dance, presenting the ancient relics with modern aesthetics.

The Asian Civilization Book Exhibition, featuring ancient books covering diverse topics from humanities to medical technology, showcased the brilliance of Asian civilizations. Notably, overseas engraved editions were exhibited for the first time.

Academic events spread the charm of Asia

During Asian Civilization Week, several academic events unfolded, drawing global scholars to Zhejiang University. The focus revolved around archaeology, cultural relics, art history, and Silk Road civilization, collectively delving into the allure of Asia at the International Academic Conference on Asian Art and Archaeology.

Through a series of lectures on Asian civilizations, distinguished scholars thoroughly explored the depths of Asian cultures, encompassing historical context, philosophical ideologies, and artistic accomplishments. They showcased cutting-edge research findings to the students at Zhejiang University.

Young perspectives spark culture vitality

Youthful perspectives sparked cultural dynamism, as both Chinese and international students at Zhejiang University utilized cameras to capture moments under themes such as Asian Culture Display, My Experience in China, and Campus Memories. This initiative resulted in a collection of short video works, injecting fresh vitality into cultural exchanges.

International students studying at Zhejiang University collaborated to stage a splendid Asian clothing show. Through runway walks and dances, students presented the beauty of traditional costumes from 18 Asian countries.

Throughout Asian Civilization Week, Zhejiang University showcased the allure of Asian civilizations from various angles including activities, disciplines, and talent cultivation, thereby creating a novel platform for cultural exchanges and igniting vitality within the campus culture.

Adapted and translated from the article written by CHEN Huixia, CAI Bohan
Translator: SHENG Yanzi ('25, Communication)
Photo: SHEN Jianfeng, the interviewees
Editor:  HAN Xiao ('25 PhD, Education), TIAN Minjie