From June 27, the six-day “China in the Eyes of Sinologists: A Cultural Tour in Sichuan” came to a successful close. Fifteen sinologists, translators, and writers from eight countries—the United States, France, Egypt, Tunisia, Poland, South Africa, Spain, and China—began their journey in Chengdu, Sichuan, and traveled to Barkam City and Mt. Siguniang in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. They explored the living context of Bashu culture, experienced the ecological civilization of western Sichuan, and witnessed China’s development and changes in the new era.
On the opening day of the event, the opening ceremony was launched in Chengdu. Huang Zhijian, Chairman of China Publishing Group Co., Ltd., extended a warm welcome to the visiting sinologists. He noted, “The program is established as a platform to help sinologists gain deeper insights into the diverse cultures of China and to promote broader cooperation in the publishing of Chinese literature. The cultural tour in Fujian that was first launched last year allowed us to discover the allure of Min culture and yielded fruitful outcomes. This year in Sichuan, we look forward to deeper exchanges and candid sharing. With your great academic expertise and unique cultural perspectives, let us work together to produce exceptional publications that represent our achievement in cross-cultural cooperation.”
Alai, Vice Chairman of the China Writers Association and Chairman of the Sichuan Writers Association, observed in his address that Sichuan was not only a treasure house of cultural diversity but also home to remarkable geographical diversity. “While we may hold different views on culture, the appreciation of natural landscapes is shared by all humanity nurtured by the Earth,” he said. “I believe this journey will prove richly rewarding for everyone.”
During the subsequent visits, the sinologists toured the Barkam Red Army Long March Memorial Hall and the Zhuokeji Chieftain’s Fortress, gaining close-up insights into the history and culture of the Tibetan areas in Sichuan. At the Mt. Siguniang Geological Museum and the Mt. Siguniang Outdoor Museum, under the theme “Humans and Mountains,” they immersed themselves in the evolution of the Mt. Siguniang Geopark and its alpine culture, while learning about the distinctive elements of the Jiarong Tibetans. The delegation also visited the Shenshuping giant panda protection base, observing the daily life of the national treasure—the giant panda. Spanish sinologist Xia Haiming remarked that the journey had been a tremendous source of inspiration for his future translation work. Jean Pegouret, French physical chemist, president of Saphir Eurasia Promotion agency, and laureate of the Chinese Ambassador Award, noted that this trip to Sichuan would extend the bridge of exchange to the world, allowing more people to appreciate the unique charm created by the blend of nature and culture in Sichuan.
A visit to the Barkam Red Army Long March Memorial Hall
A visit to the Zhuokeji Chieftain’s Fortress
A visit to the functional zone of Zhuokeji Chieftain’s Fortress
A visit to the Mt. Siguniang Geological Museum
Hands-on experience with Tibetan intangible cultural heritage: Tibetan embroidery
Beyond cultural immersion, the delegation visited the two Alai Book Houses—in Barkam City and Shuangqiao Valley in the Mt. Siguniang—where they toured the “Exquisite Sichuan Literature” exhibition, joined a “Literary Publishing Dialogue Salon,” and participated in a “Literary Recital Salon & Book Exchange Ceremony” and a book-donation ceremony to the Alai Book Houses. Throughout the events, the sinologists exchanged insights and creative experiences with Chairman Alai and five representative Sichuan-based authors and editors. They also reached preliminary agreements for Arabic, French, and English editions of works such as Zhandui: A 200-Year Legend of Kangba, Yunzhong Ji: An Elegy for the Earthquake, and Celestial Probes: Chronicles of Cosmic Exploration. South African sinologist Paul Zilungisele Tembe observed that literature offered a window into China’s history and culture and promoted the dialogue between civilizations.
This series of events enabled the sinologists to experience China’s development in the new era—its advances in rural revitalization, ethnic unity, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature—and deepened their understanding of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative and the importance of cultural confidence.
At the “Exquisite Sichuan Literature” exhibition and the “Literary Publishing Dialogue Salon”
At the “Exquisite Sichuan Literature” exhibition and the “Literary Publishing Dialogue Salon”
At the Literary Recital Salon & Book Exchange Ceremony
At the Literary Recital Salon & Book Exchange Ceremony
Books exchanged at the Literary Recital Salon
The “China in the Eyes of Sinologists: A Cultural Tour in Sichuan” was guided by China Publishing Group Co., Ltd. and the Information Office of the People’s Government of Sichuan Province, and co-hosted by the Sichuan Writers Association, China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd., Xinhua Winshare Publishing and Media Co., Ltd., and the Publicity Department of the CPC Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Committee. The event was undertaken by the Aba Prefecture Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the CPC Barkam Municipal Committee, the Mt. Siguniang Nature Reserve Administration, and the Shenshuping giant panda base of Wolong National Nature Reserve, China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.
Zhang Jichen and Zang Yongqing, Vice President of China Publishing & Media Co., Ltd.; Lin Liying, General Manager of China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd.; and heads of relevant departments of the Group attended the event. Eight participants in the Outstanding Editors Training Program from seven subsidiaries of China Publishing Group—People’s Literature Publishing House, The Commercial Press, Zhonghua Book Company, People’s Fine Arts Publishing House, SDX Joint Publishing Company, World Publishing Corporation, and Research Press—engaged in interactive discussions with overseas sinologists.