Shaanxi Cultural Day in Paris

On May 29, Paris welcomed the Shaanxi Cultural Day and the thematic exhibition « Eternal Dialogue: Cultural Heritage Protection and Urban Renewal. »

Organized by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province, in collaboration with the cities of Xi’an and Tongchuan, the event offered French audiences a unique opportunity to discover one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.

Hosted at the Hôtel de l’Industrie, the exhibition guided visitors through the rich cultural legacy of Shaanxi via three thematic sections: Land of Civilization, Preserving the Roots, and Renewal and Rebirth. Together, they illustrated how the province’s historical heritage continues to inspire contemporary cultural development and urban revitalization.

During the opening ceremony, Li Min, Director of the Information Office of the Xi’an Municipal Government, presented Xi’an as a city where thousands of years of history coexist with the vitality of a modern metropolis.

Once the capital of several imperial dynasties and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an remains a powerful symbol of China’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Wu Yanqi, Head of Communications for the city of Tongchuan, highlighted a range of local initiatives dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the region’s cultural heritage.

Visitors were introduced to efforts aimed at protecting Xi’an’s ancient city walls, preserving the ceramic traditions of the renowned Yaozhou Kiln, promoting the revolutionary heritage sites of Yan’an, and restoring the historic town of Qingmuchuan while respecting its original character.

Beyond heritage conservation projects, the exhibition celebrated the artistic traditions that embody the spirit of Shaanxi. Exquisite Yaozhou porcelains, admired for their elegant glazes, were displayed alongside the colorful peasant paintings of Huxian and the expressive clay sculptures of Fengxiang, reflecting the creativity and imagination of rural China. Traditional paper-cutting, textile dyeing, and other examples of intangible cultural heritage further enriched the experience.

Nearly one hundred guests attended the event, including professionals from the fields of tourism, industry, the arts, and academia. Several participants shared their reflections on Shaanxi and their broader impressions of contemporary China.

Xi’an: An Unmissable Destination

Tourism expert and long-time China observer Marie-Pierre Boucher-Hollier, who has visited Xi’an numerous times, described the city as an essential destination for anyone wishing to understand China.

« For me, Xi’an is simply unmissable. One cannot truly discover China without visiting Xi’an. Its historical and cultural significance, combined with the richness of its natural environment, makes it unique.

Xi’an is internationally renowned for the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures. Unsurprisingly, it remains a highlight of most travel itineraries offered by French and international tour operators.

Yet Xi’an is far more than the Terracotta Warriors. The city boasts an extraordinary cultural heritage, a history spanning several millennia, and remarkable natural landscapes. As President Xi Jinping has often emphasized, nature is a precious asset, and Xi’an provides many compelling examples of this philosophy.

I am convinced that the city still holds tremendous tourism potential and will continue to attract visitors from around the globe for many years to come. »

Culture as a Bridge Between Nations

Jean-François Petithomme, a specialist in both industry and the arts, emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding between France and China.

« This event, dedicated to showcasing Shaanxi Province, was a tremendous success. It inspires people to discover this region and, more broadly, the many fascinating provinces of China.

I encourage French citizens to explore this remarkable country, not only because of its rich history and culture but also because of its economic dynamism and industrial achievements. Such encounters help deepen mutual understanding between France and China.

Like all nations, China benefits from openness to the world. Human beings grow through interaction with others, and the same principle applies to countries.

Cultural and academic exchanges are essential because they lay the foundations for lasting cooperation and mutual trust.

Cooperation may take industrial or technological forms, but it must also remain deeply human. This human dimension can be found in education, research, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Travel remains one of the most meaningful ways to discover a country’s history, culture, and people. »

Harmony Between Nature and Urban Development

Artist and contributor to Airs de Paris magazine, Aline Putot was particularly struck by the balance between urban development and environmental preservation.

« The lush natural environment is truly remarkable. Although there are large residential developments, they are carefully integrated into their surroundings and enveloped by greenery stretching as far as the eye can see.

For miles, nature and urban life appear to coexist in perfect harmony. What I found especially impressive is the way architecture and landscape have been brought together to create a balance between development and environmental protection.

This harmonious relationship gives the region a character that is both modern and deeply serene. »

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Researcher Aniss highlighted China’s remarkable ability to connect its ancient heritage with contemporary development.

« What fascinates me most is the way modernity and historical legacy are brought together so naturally. One can clearly feel the enduring influence of an ancient civilization that continues to shape both the present and the future.

It also demonstrates how China successfully combines tradition and innovation within a shared vision of development. This approach is inspiring and makes one eager to explore the country firsthand.

China’s cultural wealth is extraordinary. Great care is devoted to preserving and promoting traditional crafts, from ceramics and pottery to artisanal techniques passed down through generations.

This commitment to safeguarding centuries-old traditions while integrating them into modern life is remarkable and contributes greatly to the country’s beauty, authenticity, and cultural vitality. »

A Cultural Dialogue

More than a cultural showcase, Shaanxi Cultural Day offered Paris a window into a region where history remains a living source of inspiration and where heritage preservation serves as a foundation for contemporary urban and cultural renewal.

The event also underscored the enduring role of culture as a bridge between peoples—fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation between China and France.

In an increasingly interconnected world, such exchanges continue to play a vital role in bringing societies closer together while celebrating the richness of their respective traditions.

A day dedicated to cultural exchange

Throughout the day, a diverse program of activities invited visitors to discover the rich cultural heritage of Shaanxi while fostering meaningful exchanges between China and France.

One of the event’s highlights was the forum « Silk Road Civilization: Tang Poetry and Shaanxi’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, » held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The discussion explored the enduring relevance and universal resonance of Tang Dynasty poetry, as well as the ways in which cultural heritage can serve as a bridge between civilizations.

Speakers reflected on the legacy of the ancient Silk Road and its continued significance in promoting mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue in today’s globalized world.

Another standout moment took place at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where a participatory artistic experience brought together residents, tourists, and passersby in a unique act of collective creation.

A large-scale mural inspired by the twin cultural landscapes of Xi’an and Paris invited the public to contribute their own artistic touch. Participants enthusiastically colored Silk Road camel caravans, graceful Tang Dynasty ladies, and other iconic motifs drawn from Chinese cultural traditions.

As the day unfolded, the mural gradually transformed into a vibrant Franco-Chinese collaborative artwork, weaving together the symbols, stories, and creative expressions of both cultures. More than a work of art, it became a powerful symbol of friendship and cultural connection between Xi’an and Paris—two historic cities linked by a shared appreciation for heritage, creativity, and people-to-people exchange.

This collective creation now stands as a lasting and heartfelt testament to the dialogue between the two cities, demonstrating how art and culture can transcend borders and bring communities closer together.