The Canal Culture Symbiosis Gathering Series of Events in 2026 has recently been gaining popularity. On May 17, a special session for international students, jointly organized by the Zizhuyuan Sub-district Office, the Beijing Dance Academy (BDA) and the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), was held. Rooted in the Grand Canal's cultural heritage, this international exchange event served as a cultural experience classroom for mutual learning.

International students designing lacquer fans

[Photo by Pu Feng from The Beijing News]

In the morning, the participating students visited the World Language Museum at BFSU, where they participated in various activities centered on languages and the Grand Canal culture, immersing themselves in the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Grand Canal. A guided tour was provided by the international student volunteers from France and Sri Lanka, together with Chinese faculty and student volunteers.

In the afternoon, the students, led by Hao Shuai, who is a member of the Chinese National Committee for International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS China) and a certified designer for cultural relics conservation projects, visited the Beijing Art Museum. They all explored key cultural sites along the Grand Canal and participated in some intangible cultural heritage experiences.

It is reported that the following events will be coming soon, too. On May 18, the exhibition titled "Echoes of Transport along the Grand Canal: An Exhibition of Selected Cultural Relics" (漕盐往事 水韵遗珍——盐与大运河文物精品展) opened at Hall 2 of the World Language Museum at BFSU. Bringing together 242 cultural relics from different dynasties, which are all related to the Grand Canal and the salt industry, the exhibition beautifully illustrates the Grand Canal's historical significance in promoting north-south integration and sustaining civilizations.

(Source: The Beijing News)