Unveiling the Bridge of Knowledge: Hu Xuemei’s Delegation Explores the Joseph Needham Research Institute in the UK
Hu Xuemei Leads Delegation to Visit Joseph Needham Research Institute in the UK
Continuing a “porcelain bond” that spans a century, Hu Xuemei, municipal party secretary, led a delegation from Jingdezhen to visit the UK and met with the directors of the Needham Research Institute in Cambridge, UK.
Hu Xuemei emphasized the importance of studying and implementing Xi Jinping’s cultural thoughts, building a bridge of cooperation between Jingdezhen and the Needham Research Institute, promoting exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and telling the story of China’s cultural confidence through the city’s rich ceramic heritage.
The Needham Research Institute in Cambridge, UK is a renowned center for the study of ancient Chinese science and technology culture. Its founder, Dr. Joseph Needham, was a member of the Royal Society of London and a famous biochemist. In the last century, Joseph Needham visited Jingdezhen and proposed in his book “Science and Technology in China” that “Jingdezhen is the earliest industrial city in the world.”
In the library of the institute, Hu Xuemei discovered precious historical materials, including yellowed manuscripts and old photos, which reflected the actual production scene of Jingdezhen in the past. She praised Dr. Joseph Needham’s academic spirit and his contributions to spreading Chinese ceramic culture and enhancing Sino-British friendship.
Hu Xuemei introduced the latest progress of the construction of the Jingdezhen National Ceramic Culture Inheritance and Innovation Experimental Zone and the good development trend of Jingdezhen to the directors of the Needham Research Institute. She hoped to renew the past ties between Jingdezhen and the institute, build a bridge of friendship and cooperation, and start a new round of cooperation to explore the value of Jingdezhen’s ceramic archaeological heritage.
During the visit, the Jingdezhen delegation presented a commemorative porcelain plate to the Needham Research Institute in Cambridge and visited Joseph Needham’s tomb.