HZICC: Hangzhou and the World: 10 Paired Conversations

HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- History is woven from stories, and vivid individuals are the protagonists of these tales. Alongside the event "Hangzhou, a Window to China's 5000-Year Civilization", 10 Hangzhou Seekers from 10 different countries embarked on an in-depth exploration of Hangzhou. Organized by the Hangzhou International Communication Center, this event brought together scholars, media professionals, artists, and historians from Spain, Italy, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, Thailand, Turkey, Greece, Canada, and Germany to launch a dialogue of civilizations that transcends mountains and seas and bridges East and West. This time, we invited 10 Hangzhou representatives to join the 10 Hangzhou Seekers in initiating "Hangzhou and the World: 10 Paired Conversations". These 10 Hangzhou Seekers may have different perspectives on Hangzhou and attitudes towards the world. We believe that as long as one is full of curiosity and enthusiasm for the world, everyone is a true in-depth explorer of the world. Open and inclusive Hangzhou is providing such a cross-cultural platform for distinctive dialogues of civilizations. Remonda Fayez Michel, Curator of the Grand Egyptian Museum & Xu Tianjin, Director of Liangzhu Museum (Liangzhu Research Institute) and renowned archaeologist Theme: Innovative Museum Curation and Civilization Narration As the director of Liangzhu Museum, he once gained a following among young people for his engaging content. As an archaeologist, he has dedicated over 40 years to Shang and Zhou dynasty archaeology, participating in and leading numerous archaeological excavations and research projects of important sites. In Xu Tianjin's view, archaeologists should not only excavate cultural relics and explore history, but also interpret culture and guide public participation. These experiences have become the core focus of Remonda Fayez Michel, Curator of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Remonda and Director Xu had in-depth discussions on the strategies and practices of the two museums, jointly exploring new ways to promote ancient civilizations to the world. Francisca Molinero, Principal of a renowned international school in Spain & Ling Ran, Founding Consultant of Yungu School Theme: Opportunities and Challenges of Cross-Cultural Education Francisca's school brings together students from more than 45 countries, and she has rich experience in cross-cultural education; Ling Ran is an expert in exploring quality education in China. Through exchanges, they discussed how technologies such as AI can be better applied in teaching, how to define "the greatest value of education for children" and "educational goals", and explored many beneficial practices of Eastern and Western education. Kittiporn Tantrarungroj, Chairman of the Thailand Choral Association & Zhou Weiping, Artistic Director of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Angel Choir Theme: Nationality and Globality of Music Their paths first crossed at a Korean choral festival, and this time their fates intertwined again in Hangzhou. Having switched careers from a doctor to a conductor, Dr. Kittiporn Tantrarungroj skillfully integrates Thai cultural elements with choral music and actively brings it to the international stage. Combining the performance experience of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Angel Choir, Zhou Weiping also shared his exploration and practice in integrating local characteristics with an international perspective in choral music. David Ringo Miano, Well-known American historian and popular science blogger on history & Wang Chong, Director of the American Studies Center, Zhejiang International Studies University Theme: The Unique Role of History in Cross-Cultural Communication How can history serve as a bridge to cross cultural divides and promote mutual understanding? Can the historical narratives, laws of rise and fall, and interaction patterns of different civilizations provide wisdom and a basis for dialogue to interpret the complex cultural collisions of the present? David and Wang Chong's conversation profoundly and simply clarified how a historical perspective can help people transcend current misunderstandings and promote the development and progress of human civilization. Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior, Renowned Brazilian lawyer & Yang Rui, Special Host of Hangzhou International Communication Center Theme: The Youth Force in Social Change Curitiba in Brazil signed an agreement with Hangzhou to become sister cities in 2001. Visiting China for the first time, Renato paid special attention to China's technological development, especially the practice of technology benefiting people. Through relaxed conversations, Yang Rui and Renato explored the resonance and complementary value of the two cities in fields such as public transportation, culture, and art. Angelina Hui Qing Zhang, Senior social media strategy consultant in Canada & Daria, Host of Hangzhoufeel Theme: Generation Z Embraces Diverse Civilizations