Capital’s rich treasures, heritage and culture wow overseas guests
The previously run-down street of Yangmeizhu Xiejie, in Xicheng district of Beijing, has been transformed into a cluster of creative businesses that have set up shop there, featuring traditional craftsmanship, such as classic printing and porcelain-making techniques, combined with modern style.
In late May, the charm of the revitalized old street impressed a visiting media group, comprised of some 20 journalists from eight countries involved in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, including Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. They visited several attractions in the Chinese capital, learning about cultural heritage before attending international media forums on May 31 and June 1.
Mofan Bookstore, once a shop selling stationary in the street, is now bringing the nearly forgotten art of woodblock printing back to life, according to general manager Jiang Xun.
Employing traditional techniques, workers painstakingly print each page of the books they produce using carved wood blocks and ink. The task is so arduous that less than 10 books are produced each year at the store.
Although modern technology has created efficient and cheap mass production, Jiang said that it is important to pass down and keep traditions alive.
The bookstore now prints modern poems and novels using woodblock printing, including those by Nobel laureate Mo Yan. It sells them to collectors worldwide who appreciate the special look, finish and craftsmanship of the books. Their trade is helping to export Chinese culture overseas, Jiang said.
The media group gathered in the small workshop of the bookstore to observe the busy craftsmen at work and ask questions about the techniques.
Wang Jing from Beijing Caicifang Antique Porcelain Handicraft Co showed the visitors her company’s products made of broken porcelain from ancient China, including earrings, bags, desk lamps and animalshaped decorations.
“We want to preserve traditional Chinese culture and inject modern vitality into it amid the country’s call for developing the creative culture industry,” she said.
Olga Rudaya, a reporter from Belarus 1 TV channel, said the combination of both modern and traditional elements is unique.
“I’m very interested in cultural development,” Rudaya said.
“With so many historical places, the country not only boasts a very long and remarkable history, but is also booming with fast development.”
The media group also visited Laoshe Teahouse to learn about tea culture and Peking Opera, the Temple of Heaven to view the ancient Chinese architectural art, and Jingshan Park, which provides a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Muhmmad Zamir Asadi, a staff reporter from Independent News Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd, said he was excited to see the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most remarkable buildings.
“The group tour provided us with a good opportunity to learn about the development of Beijing and China,” he said.
The group tour provided us with a good opportunity to learn about the development of Beijing and China.” Muhmmad Zamir Asadi,