Chongqing—Alan Macfarlane, a Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, explored the dynamics of cultural exchange between civilizations during a public lecture at the Chongqing Financial Convention and Exhibition Center on October 25, 2025.
Addressing a full house at "The Land Sea Talk," Professor Macfarlane spoke on "Understanding Each Other: Reflections on Chinese and Western Civilizations," examining how we can appreciate each other, seek common ground while reserving differences, and positively engage with the challenges and reflections brought by multiculturalism when confronted with the commonalities and diversities of civilizations.
The lecture resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom expressed enthusiasm for the cross-cultural dialogue. The discussion was both fascinating and energizing for Amin Shiran from Iran. "Every civilization has its own way to grow. If we want to talk about China, it grows very fast and very well, and it's a very deep culture. I am really interested in this culture."
During the question-and-answer session, Professor Macfarlane discussed how digital platforms facilitate cross-cultural understanding. He pointed to Xiaohongshu's transformation as an example: Xiaohongshu is now being used differently. It has evolved from a fashion and youth-centric website, partly due to the political climate during Donald Trump's presidency. It's like a more refined version of TikTok that has become more intellectual.