Millennial Rock Carvings Resonate with Sino-Italian Cultural Harmony

Chongqing - On May 11th, a delegation of seven Italian artists, part of the "Let's Create! Global Creative Masters in Chongqing", embarked on a five-day cultural exploration and creative exchange in Dazu, Rongchang, Jiangjin, Yongchuan, and Yunyang to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Bayu culture.

The Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivated the artists with their profound historical legacy and exquisite craftsmanship. As they entered the scenic area, guides detailed the origins and symbolism of each statue. Benedetta Risolo, Partner and Overseas Director of Italian Design Institute, marveled, "Dazu is beautiful. It's an honor to witness these ancient stone carvings firsthand, and it's like a love story transcending millennia."

Wandering through the grottoes, the artists were shocked not only by the carvings' intricate beauty but also by the ingenuity and skill of ancient Chinese artisans. They engaged in in-depth discussions with local experts on carving techniques and artistic styles. Carlo Pizzichini, Professor at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, repeatedly praised the site, noting observations. Standing before the Thousand-Handed Guanyin statue, he clasped his hands together, trembling slightly, and tearfully remarked, "I want to visit the Dazu Rock Carvings every day." The millennium-old statues, with their unparalleled artistry, deeply moved the Italian artist.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Dazu Rock Carvings Cultural Park and the China-Myanmar Economic Cooperation Industrial Park. Liu Nengfeng, a representative inheritor of Dazu stone carving, demonstrated traditional techniques and shared insights into preserving and innovating intangible cultural heritage. Displays of stone and jade artworks, along with fully equipped studios, allowed the visitors to appreciate the craft's charm and gain a deeper understanding of the jade industry. Prof.Pizzichini  even stepped into the role of a live-streamer, enthusing, "Live-streaming sales are fascinating and clever! This method is typically reserved for high-end, large items, not small handicrafts, in Italy. Perhaps we can explore adopting this model back home."

During a subsequent signing ceremony, Benedetta Risolo, representing the Italian Design Institute, inked a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with the Sanqu Cultural and Creative Industry Development Service Center of Dazu High-Tech Zone. "I'm thrilled to sign this agreement and look forward to its positive impact," she said. "We welcome more Dazu experts, professors, and students to study in Italy and hope to see Italian scholars and students engage deeply with Dazu, fostering fruitful exchanges."

(Yang Liwei and Wang Shuyun, as interns, also contributed to the report.)