Foreign members of Orchid Awards Expert Committee visit Beijing's Central Axis
Foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee visited historical sites along Beijing’s Central Axis from Tuesday to Wednesday in order to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history through firsthand experience.
Foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, April 25, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
The Central Axis of Beijing is considered one of the most important symbols of Chinese civilization. The axis is the best preserved core area of the old city of Beijing, spanning 7.8 kilometers from Yongding Gate in the city’s south to the Drum and Bell Towers in the north.
Rosalind Oliver (L), a member of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee, visits the Forbidden City in Beijing, April 25, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
During their tour, the foreign experts visited significant cultural heritage sites such as the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Drum and Bell Towers, and the Temple of Heaven to gain insights into China’s ancient culture, history and innovative development.
Foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee visit the Drum Tower in Beijing, April 26, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
Foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee visit Jingshan Park in Beijing, April 26, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
Nakano Satoshi, senior director of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association, said he has visited China over 250 times since 1973 but this trip still managed to offer him a unique and novel experience.
María Rosa Cervera Sardá, a professor at Alcalá University in Spain, said she was amazed by the breathtaking architecture of the Forbidden City. She added that the philosophy of"Unity of Heaven and Mankind," which is embodied in Chinese ancient architecture, is an integral part of Chinese culture.
Foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee visit the Drum Tower in Beijing, April 26, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed (L), a member of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee, visits the Drum Tower in Beijing, April 26, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed, coordinator for China relations and advisor of China-Egypt relations at Benha University in Egypt, said China and Egypt are ancient civilizations that share much in common. After visiting the cultural heritage sites in Beijing, he said he is eager to share his experience and thoughts about the trip with the people of Egypt.
María Rosa Cervera Sardá, a member of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee, experiences folk art outside the Bell Tower in Beijing, April 26, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
The Orchid Awards, established by China International Communications Group (CICG), recognize and honor non-Chinese individuals or organizations worldwide dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, as well as encouraging mutual learning between China and other civilizations.
Foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee visit Jingshan Park in Beijing, April 26, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
The tour was co-organized by the China Center for International Communication Development under CICG, the Information Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau.