In June, the “Journey Through Pages: Charm of Guiyang China and Foreign Youth Reading · Guiyang Salon” concluded successfully in Guiyang, adding a rich and beautiful stroke to this charming city. The unique charm of the ethnic parade and the passion of the roadside concert brought people closer together, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere that immersed every young participant in this cultural feast.
The “Journey Through Pages: Charm of Guiyang China and Foreign Youth Reading · Guiyang Salon” was hosted by Contemporary World Press and co-organized by the Center for International Cultural Communication (CICC) of China International Communications Group (CICG) and Guiyang Vocational and Technical College. More than 100 teachers and students from Guiyang Vocational and Technical College participated, including 12 young people from ethnic minorities such as the Miao, Gelao, Uygur, Tujia, Shui, and Zhuang groups. Dressed in their traditional ethnic attire, they added a vibrant splash of color to the event. At the same time, five international youth representatives from Russia, France, Sri Lanka, and Cameroon joined the exchange and shared their perspectives.
The event began with a captivating lecture by scholar Peng Jieming titled “Moon Gazing in Water: How We View People and Events of the Past”. In her speech, drawing on her book “Beneath the Glory: Reality and Illusion of Historical Figures”, she developed her discussion across three dimensions. First, addressing the question “Can We Truly ‘Reconstruct’ the Ancients?”, Prof. Peng noted that the traces left by historical figures are ephemeral, like “a wild goose’s footprint on snow or mud”. Our attempts to understand people of the past are inevitably shaped by modern perspectives, so the understanding we form of them may not fully reflect who they truly were. She then explained the conceptual foundation of “Beneath the Glory”, pointing out that historical figures are often fragmented, objectified, or fictionalized, yet through ongoing research and exploration, their truer aspects gradually emerge. Finally, Prof. Peng shared insights from her writing process, citing the 4th-5th century poet known for his retreat into pastoral life, and Xuanzang, the 7th century monk who undertook the arduous westward trek to India in pursuit of Buddhist teachings, to explore contrasting attitudes toward life choices in history, prompting reflection on the thoughts and actions of ancient masters.
Ms. Cai Wen, a student of the esteemed Ci poet Ye Jiaying, delivered a lecture titled “From Blossom to Lotus: Ye Jiaying and “Selected Works of Ye Jiaying”.” Ms. Cai introduced Ye’s multifaceted identity as a Ci poet, educator, scholar, and “a female scholar of rare distinction,” describing the quadruple symphony Ye composed in her cultural life and paying high tribute to her cultural mission and academic contributions. Quoting “Heaven forges a master poet through countless trials,” Ms. Cai spoke of how Ye remained steadfast amidst adversity, from which her grand aspirations sprang. Ms. Cai also offered an in-depth interpretation of the culmination of Ci-poetry studies within ‘Selected Works of Ye Jiaying’, explaining the wondrous resonance created by the fusion of Ye’s poetic essence and the aesthetic qualities of Ci poetry. She concluded with the phrase “Though blossoms fall, spring remains,” expressing the perpetual vitality of cultural spirit. Just as Ye has preserved and advanced poetic culture, cultural seeds endure storms to take root, sprout, and thrive across the land of China.
During the interactive session, the five international youths posed questions enthusiastically, demonstrating keen curiosity about Chinese literature and poetry. Questions covered topics from the similarities and differences between Chinese and French poetry venerating objects, to modern reflections on dreams and reality inspired by Tao Yuanming’s rustic retreat, as well as the characteristics of ancient Chinese literature in cross-cultural communication, fostering a fervent atmosphere. In response, the two speakers and the Chinese students in the audience offered their interpretations. Everyone freely expressed their views, resulting in a lively exchange of ideas. The Chinese students also participated actively, with some curious about when their foreign peers first encountered Chinese poetry and what unique charm it held in their eyes; others inquired about the international guests' impressions after arriving in Guiyang and whether they had been captivated by the city’s local customs and culture. Other questions explored how to reconcile the gap between historical figures and traditional perceptions, how to better study poetry in the AI age, and how to appreciate Ye Jiaying’s poetry more effectively. The two teachers responded with patience and warmth, cultivating a congenial atmosphere punctuated by laughter.
Though the event has concluded, its brilliant moments remain etched in memory. Back in the classroom, young students continue to savor Tao Yuanming’s spirit of reclusion, drawing inspiration from the event to explore new pathways for learning in the AI era. The Guiyang salon is but one chapter in the grand scroll of cultural exchange, with countless more splendid chapters awaiting co-authorship by Chinese and international youth. The program team also specially produced an interactive show titled “Journey Through Pages: Charm of Guiyang China and Foreign Youth Reading · Guiyang Salon”, featuring Chinese and international influencers. Presented in documentary style, the program vividly captures the dynamic encounter and fusion of Chinese and international cultures through diverse segments including the ethnic parade, a historical visit to Jiaxiu Tower, intangible cultural heritage workshops, a tour of a rail transit training base, roadside concerts, and fireside reading sessions. It enhances engagement and fun through task-based challenges, dialect interactions, and culinary experiences. Guided by the creative concept of “from surface experience to deep resonance,” it concludes with the youth’s genuine reflections, aiming to share Guizhou’s ethnic cultural allure and modern vibrancy with global audiences and to foster mutual learning among civilizations and the building of friendship.
As the last glow of sunset grazed the upturned eaves of Jiaxiu Tower and the sound of reading by the fireside gradually blended with the melodies of the roadside concert, this cultural rendezvous across mountains and oceans drew to a close. The Chinese and international youth departed, carrying in their luggage the warmth of intangible heritage crafts, the liveliness of dialect exchanges, and the novelty of rail transit training—encapsulations of Guiyang’s ancient charm and contemporary spirit—and engraving each other’s smiles and insights in their hearts. Languages may differ, but the love for culture resonates in harmony; backgrounds may vary, but the yearning for connection vibrates on the same frequency. This journey of reading across miles is not an end, but a new beginning—the youth will carry the stories of Guiyang to the four corners of the world and bring global diversity back to this city of mountains and waters, allowing the seeds of mutual learning among civilizations to take root through each sincere encounter and blossom into radiant splendor that transcends borders.
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