标签： Asia

In a breathtaking display of cultural heritage, Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province in East China, hosted a magnificent collective ancient wedding ceremony on Tuesday. The event took place in the Shangxiahang historical and cultural block, where 100 newlywed couples, adorned in traditional Chinese wedding attire, exchanged vows amidst heartfelt blessings. This ceremony not only celebrated their union but also revived the rich traditions of ancient Chinese matrimonial customs. The streets were transformed into a scene of timeless romance, decorated with vibrant red ribbons and festive ornaments. Accompanied by the melodious strains of classical music, the couples, dressed in Tang Dynasty-inspired wedding garments and holding red silk ribbons, gracefully descended the ancient stone steps. Their journey symbolized the blending of history and modernity, culminating in a traditional ceremony that was met with joyous applause from onlookers. This event highlighted the enduring charm of Chinese cultural traditions and provided a unique start to the couples’ new lives together.

Confucianism has long served as a cultural and intellectual bridge between China and South Korea, fostering a shared heritage that transcends centuries. This enduring connection is exemplified by the life and works of Choe Chi-won, a Korean poet and scholar who lived during the late Unified Silla period (668-935). Choe, known in China as Cui Zhiyuan, spent significant years in China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907), where he mastered classical Chinese and earned the prestigious jinshi degree, the highest level of the imperial civil service exams. His poetry, written in classical Chinese, reflects a deep emotional and intellectual bond with both cultures. Choe’s influence extended beyond literature; he sought to reform the declining Silla kingdom by advocating for Confucian principles such as meritocracy, monarchical strength, and ethical governance. Although his reforms were largely ignored, his legacy shaped the Confucian bureaucratic traditions of subsequent Korean dynasties, including Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910). The Gwageo system, introduced by Goryeo and modeled after China’s imperial examinations, further solidified this cultural exchange. Today, Confucianism continues to symbolize the profound intellectual and artistic affinity between China and South Korea, as evidenced by events like the Confucian ritual at Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine, a tribute to the Joseon Dynasty’s royal ancestors.

In a significant cultural milestone, Quanzhou in Fujian Province and Wuxi in Jiangsu Province have been officially inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Quanzhou has been designated as a ‘City of Gastronomy,’ while Wuxi has earned the title of ‘City of Music.’ This recognition underscores their commitment to leveraging creativity as a cornerstone for sustainable urban development and their active engagement in enriching cultural life. With this addition, the number of Chinese cities in the network has now reached 20, joining prominent metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This year, a total of 58 cities worldwide were welcomed into the network, selected through a stringent process that includes national recommendations and international evaluations. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network, a flagship cultural initiative, spans eight creative fields and operates alongside other UNESCO programs focused on World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage. The network’s biennial designation process highlights the global importance of fostering creativity in urban planning and cultural preservation.