Orchid Awards special guests visit Guangzhou

By Guo Yiming | CICG, September 8, 2023

Four special guests of the inaugural Orchid Awards visited Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong province, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Special guests of the inaugural Orchid Awards visit Guangzhou, Guangdong province, from Sept. 5 to 6, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

During the two-day trip, the four guests from the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and Pakistan visited the city's cultural landmarks including the Shamian Island, Yongqingfang, Cantonese Opera Art Museum, Xinghai Concert Hall, and Nanyue King Museum. The tour aimed to provide the guests with an immersive experience in traditional Chinese culture and insights into the preservation and development of Chinese civilization.

Special guests of the Orchid Awards experience intangible cultural heritage in Guangzhou during their city exploration from Sept. 5 to 6, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Joseph W. Polisi, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and President Emeritus of the Juilliard School, praised Guangzhou as a unique hub for cultural exchange and celebration of cultural traditions. Having visited China more than 60 times, Polisi has played a significant role in strengthening people-to-people exchange and cooperation in music education between China and the U.S.

Special guests of the Orchid Awards visit Guangzhou, Guangdong province, from Sept. 5 to 6, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Zafar-Ud-Din Mahmood, special assistant to the prime minister of Pakistan and chairman of the Understanding China Forum, noted the remarkable transformation of Guangzhou since his first visit in 1977. He stressed the need to help the world understand China better, especially in light of its significant changes since the reform and opening up.

The Orchid Awards, established by China International Communications Group, serves to recognize and honor individuals or organizations worldwide who are committed to fostering cultural exchange between China and the global community while promoting mutual learning between China and other civilizations.

The award ceremony took place in Beijing on Friday.