A milestone in cross-cultural exchange was marked on June 24 as Yuyao Municipal Committee unveiled the Yangming Culture Overseas (Switzerland) Communication Center in Zurich. Li Zhao, Member of the Yuyao Standing Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department, presented the center's plaque to Lu Jinlian, President of the Zurich Chinese Traditional Culture Association.

This center represents a strategic advancement in Yuyao's international promotion of Yangming culture and stands as the first such dedicated hub established in Europe. Concurrently, the Zurich Association signed cooperative frameworks with the Zhejiang Eastern Culture Research Institute of Ningbo University and the International Communication Center of Ningbo Daily Press Group, pledging joint efforts to propagate Yangming philosophy and traditional Chinese culture globally.

At the inauguration ceremony, Li Zhao highlighted the timeless relevance of Yangming concepts: "The philosophical wisdom of 'Unity of Knowledge and Action' and 'Extending Innate Knowledge' transcends eras, offering profound insights for global governance and human development. Switzerland's multicultural environment resonates deeply with Yangming's inclusive spirit of 'All Things as One'." She emphasised that the center serves not only as a gateway for Chinese culture but also as a vital bridge for Sino-Swiss civilizational dialogue.

Lu Jinlian underscored culture's role in addressing contemporary issues: "Amid globalisation, Yangming's universal values provide Eastern enlightenment for shared human challenges. This center will foster Swiss understanding of Chinese philosophy and strengthen our cultural bonds."

In recent years, a tri-level initiative—spanning Zhejiang Province, Ningbo City, and Yuyao City—has  vigorously advanced the Yangming Culture International Promotion Project.Through strategic cultural resource development and innovative communication methodologies, the program systematically explores new pathways for global dissemination. This includes establishing the Yangming Culture Overseas Communication University Alliance with Ningbo University and other institutions, driving forward the "Five Major Initiatives" for international propagation. Key projects such as the Yangming Vision International Short Video Series, Overseas Collaborative Art Initiative, and Yangming Culture Membership Platform have been implemented, complemented by the official launch of Yangming Culture Overseas Communication Centers in South Africa and Kenya. These efforts collectively amplify the global influence of Yangming philosophy through sustained and multifaceted engagement.

The Zurich Chinese Traditional Culture Association, with its longstanding commitment to cultural preservation, will activate the centre through academic symposiums, experiential workshops, and immersive events. These initiatives aim to dynamically integrate Yangming philosophy into Switzerland's multicultural landscape while deepening bilateral exchanges in education and the humanities. This strategic expansion reinforces China's cultural diplomacy infrastructure, positioning Yangming thought as a vibrant contributor to global philosophical discourse.

Source: Yongpai App

Editors: Ye Ke, Chen Mingxia (intern)