On Tuesday, the doors of the China Cultural Center in Madrid swung open to welcome the inauguration of the “Exemplary Master of All Times – Confucius Culture Theme Exhibition.” An initiative aimed at immersing locals and visitors alike into the rich tapestry of Confucianism and the timeless allure of Chinese traditional culture, the exhibition promises to be an enlightening experience that bridges contemporary society with age-old wisdom.
This intriguing exhibition has been the result of the collective effort by the China Cultural Center in Madrid and the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. It features a comprehensive exposition of the life and philosophy of Confucius, brought to life through vivid illustrations, meticulous replicas of cultural artifacts, and creative cultural products that depict the influence of Confucian thought on Chinese culture.
The opening of the exhibition saw the gathering of about 60 Chinese and Spanish guests. Among these notable attendees were Marcelo Munoz, founder and president emeritus of the think-tank Catedra China, and Yang Changqing, director of the China Cultural Center in Madrid.
During his inaugural speech, Yang Changqing shared his thoughts on how Confucius’ teachings form not just the foundation of Chinese traditional culture but also sculpt the spiritual identity of the Chinese nation. He further emphasized that the timing of the exhibition, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain, aims to foster deeper mutual understanding between the two nations.
An innovative aspect of the event is the introduction of a multilingual digital exhibition platform dedicated to Confucian culture, unveiled simultaneously with the physical exhibition. The digital platform allows for a broader reach and enables people around the world to experience the essence of Confucian thought. Following its tenure at the China Cultural Center until July 28, the exhibition is slated to tour across various regions of Spain, thereby extending its cultural influence.
Marcelo Munoz underscored the enduring relevance of Confucius’ teachings in the modern world, voicing his hope that an increasing number of Spaniards would attain a deeper comprehension of Confucius and his philosophical legacy.
The event was not just limited to the static displays; the opening ceremony also featured various interactive activities that depicted Chinese traditional culture. These included monotype and tea ceremonies that provided guests with a hands-on experience of Chinese traditions. Furthermore, a Spanish version of a short video containing classical quotes from “The Analects of Confucius” played on a continuous loop, adding an immersive auditory element that captivated the exhibition’s visitors.
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