From Tang poetry to folk art: Shaanxi's cultural heritage showcased in Paris
A series of cultural events highlighting Tang poetry and Shaanxi's intangible cultural heritage were held in Paris on Friday, bringing over 40 Chinese and international scholars, artists, and cultural professionals together to explore the legacy of the ancient Silk Road civilization.
Guests attend the "Silk Road Civilization: Tang Poetry Culture and Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Day" event in Paris, France, May 29, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
The event, themed "Silk Road Civilization: Tang Poetry Culture and Shaanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Day," was organized under the guidance of the Information Office of the Shaanxi Provincial Government and jointly hosted by the information offices of Xi'an and Tongchuan. It was organized by Xufang International Media under China International Communications Group (CICG).
The event featured displays of traditional Shaanxi crafts, including dough figurines, tie-dye textiles, paper-cutting, and Yaozhou porcelain, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the province's rich cultural heritage firsthand.
During a discussion session, participants reflected on the artistic and humanistic themes found in Tang poetry and their connections with European artistic traditions.
Guests attend the exhibition "An Eternal Dialogue: Cultural Heritage Preservation and Urban Renewal" during Shaanxi Cultural Day in Paris, France, May 29, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Later that day, Shaanxi Cultural Day and an exhibition titled "Eternal Dialogue: Cultural Heritage Protection and Urban Renewal" opened, drawing more than 80 guests from China and France.
Presented around three main sections – "Roots of Civilization," "Preserving Cultural heritage," and "Renewal and Rebirth," – the exhibition presented Shaanxi's efforts to safeguard cultural heritage, revitalize historic urban spaces, and promote the living transmission of traditional culture.
Traditional intangible cultural heritage artworks from Shaanxi are displayed at the exhibition in Paris, France, May 29, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
It also featured documentation of China-France cooperation since 2014 in heritage conservation projects, including the restoration of the painted murals at Gongshutang, the preservation of the Maoling stone carvings, and work on the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris.
Residents and tourists take part in a collaborative folk painting activity on the streets of Paris, France, May 29, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Meanwhile, a public art activity near the Eiffel Tower invited local residents and tourists to collaborate on a painting project inspired by peasant painting, a folk art tradition from Xi'an. Participants colored scenes featuring camel caravans and Tang-era court ladies, creating a unique artwork that blended Chinese and French cultural elements.