“Normandy—China Three Weeks and Three Cities” Multicultural Theme Event Successfully Concludes

From September 9th to 28th, 2017 local time, organized by the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen in France, and jointly hosted by the Rouen municipal government, the Le Havre municipal government, Caen municipal government, the government of Normandy Region and the China Club of Normandy, the “Normandy-China Three Weeks and Three Cities” multicultural theme event was successfully held in Rouen, Le Havre and Caen.

A Display of Chinese and French Styles from Multi-theme Exhibitions

During the event, multi-theme exhibitions were launched in office buildings of the Rouen municipal government, the Le Havre municipal government and the government of Normandy Region in Caen. The exhibitions included not only the impressionist oil painting and ink painting works by Dr. Zheng Dai, a professor of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, but also the excellent photographic works of China by students from NEOMA Business School, as well as the works about Normandy’s life captured by China Daily reporters with their cameras. The paintings and photographic works on display were rich in content and unfolded cultural landscapes of both China and Normandy from different perspectives, appealing to a great many local people.

An Appreciation of Extensive and Profound Chinese Culture from Theme Lectures

Three lectures on “Oriental Delicacies” delivered by Han Xiaotong, a Chinese gourmet, respectively introduced various Chinese condiments, the process of making Chinese tofu and cold noodles, and different cooking methods for lotus roots, which were eye-opening for French food lovers. During the food experience activity, participants made Chinese food by themselves. Though they were not so familiar with the cooking process, they showed great interest in it and enjoyed the warm atmosphere.

The lecture on Chinese food

Jacques GIES, former Inspector General of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture of France, gave the audience three wonderful lectures on “Humanitarianism and Culture in China”, “Chinese Modern and Contemporary Art (from the late 19th century to the early 21st century)”, “The Cultural Adaptation of Chinese Buddhism (from the late 5th century to the early 10th century)”. The contents were clear and easy to understand, improving the audience’s understanding and knowledge about traditional Chinese culture.

Denis COLIN, Vice President of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, and member of European Promotion Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, gave the experience lesson on “Knowing Traditional Chinese Medicine — Acupuncture”. He explained the principle of acupuncture and the acupuncture points on the human body, displayed its tools, and demonstrated the process. Denis COLIN also delivered three wonderful lectures on “The Theoretical Basis, Origin and Philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine” and introduced Xanthium Decoction for acute rhinitis. During the lecture, Denis COLIN, in the combination of Chinese philosophy, developed a deep analysis on the formulation of Xanthium Decoction and its implied principle of Jun (monarch), Chen (minister), Zuo (assistant) and Shi (guide). The lectures not only helped the local people to have a deep understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, but also enabled them with a deeper understanding of Chinese philosophy.

Experience lessons and lectures of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture

Dr. Zheng Dai gave a lecture on “Echoes of Silence: The Nature of Chinese Painting and Impressionist Painting”. From the perspective of an artist, she showed her exploration on the poetic expression of nature on the basis of inheriting Chinese painting and drawing on the Western painting language, talked about her inspiration drawn from the landscapes of Normandy and the painting creation process of the purified and poetic sense in her memory, and shared her own experiences of painting and exhibiting in Normandy region for many years.

Chinese painting and calligraphy experience activity

In addition, Zheng Dai also offered trial sessions of Chinese calligraphy and painting. Having chosen “zhu” (bamboo in Chinese) as the theme, she explained and demonstrated the cognate feature of Chinese calligraphy and painting by comparing the evolution of the Chinese character “zhu” with the shape of bamboo, so as to give students an introduction to Chinese characters, Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Learning about endless charms of Chinese culture in experience activities

Archaeological excavation of Terra Cotta Warriors experience activity

“Normandy-China” also planned archaeological excavation, paper-cutting and Chinese knotting and other experience activities as a part of the event. During the archaeological excavation activity, participants gained knowledge of Chinese history, as they also experienced the fun of archaeology and treasure hunting. In the activities of paper cutting and Chinese knotting, participants learned to produce patterns such as butterfly, the character of “double happiness” and lion, and wove colorful bracelets.

Exchange meetings forging the communication bridge for Chinese-French enterprises

As part of the event, the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen held three entrepreneur exchange meetings and released The Road to Success of Normandy Enterprises compiled by the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen. Yvon Robert, Mayor of Rouen, Laurent Bonnaterre, Vice President of the Normandy Region, Sandrine DUNOYER, Deputy Mayor of Le Havre, Anne-Laure MARTEAU, Councilor of the Normandy Region and Jean-Yves COUSIN, Vice President of the China Club of Normandy, attended the exchange meetings held in Rouen, Le Havre and Caen and delivered speeches. They acknowledged the contributions made by the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen in invigorating local diverse cultural exchanges and enhancing China-France business exchanges.

Enterprise exchange meetings

During the event, TV Normandy also launched a China-themed live television interview program, which attracted great public attention. French students, Chinese overseas students, representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises in France, French entrepreneurs, and people from all walks of life shared their views on China through discussions and dialogues from different perspectives. The program was aired on a number of local digital television channels, with the audience interacting through social media, receiving positive responses.

TV Normandy live broadcasting the television program of China Dialogue

The "Normandy-China Three Weeks and Three Cities" multicultural theme event has promoted economic exchanges between China and Normandy Region of France and built a communication bridge for Chinese and French enterprises. The event has also strengthened friendly relationships of the three major cities in Normandy Region, Rouen, Le Havre and Caen, with their Chinese sister cities and enhanced mutual understanding as well as promoted communication and cooperation in political, economic, cultural and other areas between the two sides.