Exploring Guangzhou’s Cultural “Seed Bank
A cultural Oasis: Exploring China’s “Seed Bank” in Guangzhou
Guangzhou, China - Nestled amidst the lush greenery and tranquil waters of southern China, the Guangzhou branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC) stands as a testament to the enduring richness of Chinese civilization. Opened in July 2022, this architectural masterpiece, known as Wenqinge, serves as a vital repository for print and digital works that embody the essence of Chinese culture, acting as a “seed bank” for future generations.
The guangzhou branch, located about 90 kilometers from the city center, seamlessly blends modern design with conventional Chinese aesthetics. A serene pond, graced by an ancient tree and a large ink stone, sits before the seven-story gray tower, creating a scene reminiscent of classical Chinese paintings.
“To protect the tree, which is over 200 years old, we realigned the central axis of the architecture and designed a space for it to flourish in the middle of the pond, inadvertently creating the most stunning view,” explained He Jingtang, chief architect and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
Inside, the exhibition area showcases a captivating journey through Chinese history and culture. An antique-style sailboat model highlights Guangzhou’s pivotal role as a starting point for the ancient Maritime Silk road, a trading route that connected the East and West for centuries.
Wenqinge boasts a rich collection of ancient texts in various languages, illustrating the cultural exchange that flourished along the Maritime Silk Road.Among the treasures is a 1586 Italian book, “Historia del Gran Reino de la China,” originally written in Spanish.
“This book, based on the accounts of missionaries who traveled to Guangdong and Fujian, was one of the most comprehensive and widely read works on China at that time,” said Huang Zhen, who works in Wenqinge’s research and publicity department.
The Maritime Silk Road not only facilitated trade and cultural exchange but also spurred migration. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, many people from China’s southern coastal regions sought new opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Wenqinge houses a unique collection of “Qiaopi” letters, remittances and letters sent home by overseas Chinese. These letters offer a poignant glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of earlier generations of emigrants.
“We have collected over 3.6 million items and publications through various means,including donations and entrusted acquisitions,” said Zhang Weitao,director of the Guangzhou branch of the CNAPC. “A significant portion of these materials focuses on the history of overseas Chinese, underscoring Guangzhou’s role as a key hometown for these emigrants.”
Wenqinge is also embracing technology to enhance the visitor experience. Advanced technologies like naked-eye 3D and holography bring exhibitions to life. A notably captivating display allows visitors to create their own Song Dynasty-style paintings using AI technology.
“Traditionally, ‘archives’ referred to printed editions and different editions of books,” Zhang explained. “The establishment of the CNAPC has enriched the meaning of the word, and it now refers to various carriers that bear the imprints of Chinese civilization.”
He envisions the national archives as “a repository, museum, and encyclopedia” of Chinese culture, dedicated to preserving and sharing its treasures with the world.
Guangzhou’s Wenqinge: A Cultural Oasis Preserving China’s Heritage
Newsdirectory3.com – Deep in the heart of Guangdong province, a modern architectural marvel stands as testament to the enduring legacy of Chinese civilization. The Guangzhou branch of the China national Archives of publications and Culture (CNAPC), known as Wenqinge, opened its doors in July 2022, serving as a vital repository for print and digital works that embody the essence of Chinese culture.
This “seed bank” for future generations seamlessly blends modern design with traditional chinese aesthetics, creating an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city. A serene pond, graced by a centuries-old tree and a large ink stone, sits before the seven-story gray tower, evoking imagery from classical Chinese paintings.
“To protect the tree, which is over 200 years old, we realigned the central axis of the architecture and designed a space for it to flourish in the middle of the pond, inadvertently creating the most stunning view,” explained He Jingtang, chief architect and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
Inside, Wenqinge’s exhibition area guides visitors through a captivating journey through Chinese history and culture. An antique-style sailboat model highlights Guangzhou’s role as a starting point for the ancient Maritime Silk Road, a trading route that connected the East and West for centuries.
The archive boasts a rich collection of ancient texts in various languages, illustrating the cultural exchange fostered along the maritime Silk Road. Amongst its treasures is a 1586 Italian book, “Historia del Gran Reino de la China,” offering a valuable glimpse into European perceptions of China during that era.
But wenqinge’s collection goes beyond ancient texts. It houses带来了 unique “Qiaopi” letters – remittances and letters sent home by overseas Chinese who migrated from southern China to Southeast Asia between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These letters offer a poignant glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of earlier generations of emigrants.
“We have collected over 3.6 million items and publications through various means, including donations and entrusted acquisitions,” said Zhang Weitao, director of the Guangzhou branch of the CNAPC. “A significant portion of these materials focuses on the history of overseas Chinese, underscoring Guangzhou’s role as a key hometown for these emigrants.”
Wenqinge embraces technology to enhance the visitor experience.Naked-eye 3D displays and holographic projections bring exhibitions to life. Visitors can even create their own Song Dynasty-style paintings using AI technology, blurring the lines between the past and present.
Zhang envisions the national archives as “a repository, museum, and encyclopedia” dedicated to preserving and sharing the treasures of Chinese culture with the world.