The “Journey Through Civilizations,” an exhibition focused on world cultural heritage, launched at the UN Headquarters in New York on June 29, 2023.

The event is being presented in collaboration with the Sino-American Friendship Association, CGTN United Nations and the Chinese permanent mission to the UN as well as the UNSRC Chinese Book Club.

Hundreds of guests including UN officials and ambassadors attended the ceremony. The event showcases the richness and diversity of world civilizations and the profoundness of Chinese civilization through new multimedia technology, aiming to advocate and promote exchanges and mutual understanding among different civilizations. Using intangible cultural heritage as a platform, the exhibition traces the development of human civilization, including acupuncture.

Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Ambassador Zhang Jun, the Permanent Representative of China to the UN, Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer at UNESCO New York Office addressed the crowd during the ceremony.

High-tech video walls at the exhibit create a stunning experience, where beautiful images of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Mount Huangshan and Dazu Rock Carvings along - are on display. Mt. Huangshan has played an important role in the history of arts and literature in China. It holds fascination for artists and writers providing a fundamental representation of the eastern civilization in the world’s imagination and art. Dazu Rock Carvings are remarkable for their aesthetic quality, rich diversity, and provide outstanding evidence of the harmony in Bushism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Renowned artists from China, the U.S. and Canada presented vivid performances to showcase China’s traditional techniques and arts, including an interactive ear acupuncture demonstration, a tea ceremony, calligraphy, a Guqin musical performance and poetry reading.

Miguel Ángel Moratinos delivering remarks

(photo source: http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/)

Ambassador Zhang Jun addressing the crowd

(photo source: http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/)

Lily Gray delivering remarks

(photo source: http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/)

High-tech video wall showcasing Huangshan cultural heritage photo exhibit

High-tech video wall showcasing Dazhu cultural heritage photo exhibit

Lily Gray experiencing ancient Chinese printing technique

Dr. Rongsheng Lin, Vice Chairman of World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) and Dr. David Li, Medical Director of US-China Center for TCM demonstrating ear acupuncture

Shi, Xiang, a famous calligrapher artist presenting two masterpieces on the spot