Beijing’s White Dagoba celebrated China’s 7th Cultural and Natural Heritage Day with great fanfare as it launched the highly anticipated “2023 Beijing White Dagoba Culture Week” at the majestic White Dagoba Miaoying Temple in the heart of Beijing, China. The cultural week, aptly themed “Conserving Cultural Heritage and Promoting Mutual Learning among Civilizations,” aims to captivate visitors and showcase the profound historical and cultural treasures housed within the magnificent White Dagoba.
Renowned for its architectural splendor, the White Dagoba was meticulously crafted by the esteemed Nepalese architect, Araniko, during the illustrious Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). This architectural marvel served as a symbol of unity, fostering friendly exchanges and deepening the cultural bonds between China and Nepal.
Distinguished guests, including the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, and the Resident Ambassador of Nepal to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, conveyed their heartfelt congratulations through a video message, acknowledging the significant cultural and natural collaborations between the two nations. Ambassador Shrestha expressed his delight in witnessing the continuous blossoming of cultural and natural exchanges, affirming the embassy’s commitment to utilizing this unique occasion to introduce the rich tapestry of Nepalese culture and tourism, while further strengthening collaboration in cultural heritage preservation between China and Nepal.
Ambassador Chen underscored the extraordinary achievements of Araniko in fostering harmonious relations between China and Nepal. A prodigy at the age of 16, Araniko embarked on a transformative journey to China, leading a group of skilled Nepalese craftsmen. Over four decades, he spearheaded the construction of over ten resplendent structures, including the awe-inspiring White Dagoba nestled within Beijing’s Miaoying Temple. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends the exquisite artistic nuances of Tibet and Nepal, leaving an indelible mark on both nations.
The captivating tale of Araniko’s contributions to China-Nepal exchanges continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of people in both countries. His remarkable legacy, intertwined with the White Dagoba, has come to symbolize the enduring friendship between China and Nepal. In a heartfelt tribute, the Nepalese government immortalized Araniko’s legacy by issuing a commemorative stamp in April 1972, featuring an image of Araniko holding drawings and brushes, with the resplendent White Dagoba of Miaoying Temple gracing the background. This tribute stands as a testament to his extraordinary contributions.
The Nepalese embassy in China remains steadfast in their commitment to realizing the vision of the Global Civilization Initiative through concrete actions. They envision the White Dagoba as a living bridge that nurtures cultural heritage preservation, unravels the historical context of China-Nepal civilization exchanges, and fosters enduring connections between the people of both nations, Ambassador Chen emphasized.
The remarkable cultural week, spanning until June 16, promises an enchanting journey filled with a myriad of captivating activities. Visitors can indulge in awe-inspiring exhibitions, enlightening lectures, and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural market, all of which will showcase the profound richness and diversity of the Chinese and Nepalese cultures. As one of the ancient capitals of China, Beijing proudly boasts the largest concentration of world cultural heritage sites in the world. With a captivating history spanning over three millennia, the city has given birth to countless cultural treasures, including the majestic Forbidden City, the revered Temple of Heaven, and the awe-inspiring Badaling Great Wall.
In a significant stride towards enhancing the protection and management of the world’s cultural heritage, the Beijing World Cultural Heritage Protection and Management Alliance was inaugurated on Friday. This pioneering alliance, in collaboration with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Heritage and seven iconic world cultural heritage sites in Beijing, seeks to safeguard and preserve the storied legacy of Beijing’s world cultural heritage sites. By effectively conveying the captivating stories embedded within these sites, the alliance aspires to ignite a deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich cultural heritage that Beijing proudly encompasses.
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