To strengthen international cultural exchanges and promote the spread of Silk Road culture, 2021 Silk Road Week held its opening ceremony at China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 18. Officials from China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, UNESCO Beijing Office, foreign diplomats and experts from cultural and museums and universities all across the country attended the opening ceremony. Over 20 institutions, including UNESCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, University Alliance of the Silk Road, the British Museum, among others, sent their congratulatory letters.

Themed “Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development”, the 2021 Silk Road Week held varied activities in conjunction with institutions from home and abroad until June 24. Activities such as Silk Road Museum Curator Forum, Seminar for Silk Road Curators, Annual Meeting of Chinese Association of Dunhuang and Turfan Studies, and several exhibitions such as Textile Archaeology in 100 Years, and Silk Road on Silk Scarves were organized in Hangzhou. Subforums were also held in the cities of Lanzhou, Xi’an and Fuzhou.

Longquan: First World Incense Set Culture Conference Opens

The first World Incense Set Culture Conference kicked off in Longquan city, Zhejiang province on May 27. Among the participants are diplomats of Thailand, Egypt, Algeria, Amenia, and scholars, master craftsmen, intangible culture inheritors and representatives of the incense set culture industry from home and abroad. At the conference, the Research Center of Chinese Incense Set Culture was officially established in Longquan city, which experts believed would further promote China’s incense set culture.

Shaoxing: China-Japan-Korea Business Conference Held

The fourth China-Japan-South Korea Business Conference, also known as “Dialogue with Shaoxing: Economic and Trade Cooperation Symposium”, was opened in Shaoxing city, Zhejiang province on May 25. Over 400 government officials and business representatives from China, Japan and R.O. Korea discussed new projects and opportunities from the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Ningbo: International Guests Enjoy Dragon Boat Festival

Some 21 international guests currently living in Ningbo city have visited the city’s Jiulonghu township recently, and tasted the traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. Coming from Italy, South Africa, Indonesia, Canada, New Zealand, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, and Iran, among other countries and regions, they learned how to make zongzi or glutinous rice dumplings and scented sachets, which are worn during the festival to ward off evil spirits. Together with local children, they also tried lion dance and drumming.