Chongqing - The "Journey Through Civilizations" exhibit, held at the United Nations from June 29 to July 7, offered a captivating showcase of cultures, arts, traditions, and historical narratives from around the world. A standout feature of the exhibition was the display of the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing visitors to experience a taste of China's rich historical tapestry and artistic accomplishments.
Ambassador Huang Ping, Consul General of China in New York, and Vice Consul Qian Jin were among the visitors at the Dazu exhibition booth. They expressed their admiration for the intricate carvings, Chinese culture, and stunning images on display.
Ambassador Huang Ping, Consul General of China in New York, and Vice Consul Qian Jin visited the Dazu exhibition booth. They appreciated the intricate carvings, Chinese culture, and the beautiful images displayed. (Photo/Dazu District)
The launch ceremony on June 29 was graced by hundreds of guests, including UN officials and ambassadors, who observed a captivating blend of traditional techniques and arts from China, the United States, and Canada.
In an innovative move, the UN has incorporated a virtual game program into its traditional exhibition this time. Video walls at the exhibition displayed mesmerizing images of the Dazu Rock Carvings, offering visitors an immersive experience. Many attendees captured their memories by taking photos alongside cultural products and pictures featuring the Dazu Rock Carvings.
The Dazu Rock Carvings site encompasses 75 cliffside carvings locations in the Dazu District in Southwest China's Chongqing, housing over 50,000 statues and more than 100,000 Chinese characters of inscriptions and epigraphs. These intricate carvings demonstrate a fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs originating from the 9th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, the Dazu Rock Carvings exemplify the artistic and religious influences of ancient China.
Dazu District has been proactive in participating in various forms of international promotion and communication. Recently, the district was given the opportunity to participate in the Asian Cultural Festival held at the Empire State Plaza Concourse in New York, organized by the Sino-American Cultural and Arts Foundation.
During the event, Dazu District showcased a selection of representative images depicting its iconic rock carvings. These images, presented through photographs and videos, enthralled the attendees, making them appreciate the unique allure and historical cultural value of Dazu. Additionally, a collection of charming and meaningful cultural products from Dazu was on display, further piquing the audience's interest in learning about and exploring the district.
Prominent figures from the New York State government, the business community, tourism industry, mainstream media, and the general public were drawn to the Dazu exhibition area. The event garnered in-depth coverage from over 50 media outlets, including ABC National Broadcasting Corporation, Event.com, Cimagine Media Company, Albany.com, Spectrum News, Qiaobao.com, NetEase, and Sina.
Through productive discussions with international travel agencies, Dazu District gained invaluable insights into the needs and preferences of foreign tourists. This knowledge will serve as a beneficial reference for developing tourism products and exploring potential avenues for tourism cooperation.
The Dazu District offered international travel agencies a multitude of tourism resources and collaborative opportunities, thereby fostering bilateral cooperation and exchange in the tourism sector. This initiative is part of a significant strategy to augment collaborative mechanisms across various departments, fortify relationships with overseas travel agencies, and develop a comprehensive global promotional model that includes images, videos, exhibitions, and cultural and creative products.
Ultimately, Dazu District is determined to promote its cultural and tourism resources more effectively to solidify its reputation as an internationally renowned destination celebrated for its splendid rock carvings.