People view the exhibition "Anshan Cuijin - an Exhibition of Chinese Life Aesthetics" at the China Cultural Center in Bern, Switzerland, Aug. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

The opening featured Chinese incense, hands-on crafts, and a tea ceremony, offering visitors an immersive cultural encounter. 

An exhibition titled "Anshan Cuijin - an Exhibition of Chinese Life Aesthetics" kicked off Friday evening at the China Cultural Center here, attracting local and international guests to experience traditional Chinese culture infused with modern design.

The opening featured Chinese incense, hands-on crafts, and a tea ceremony, offering visitors an immersive cultural encounter.

Co-hosted by the China Cultural Center in Bern and the Prince Kung's Palace Museum, the exhibition is themed "The Study in the Garden." It integrates traditional cultural elements with modern design, recreating the poetic atmosphere of a classical scholar's study through fine artworks, cultural objects, and contemporary crafts.

Built in 1780, the Prince Kung's Palace Museum is among the best-preserved Qing-dynasty princely residences in Beijing and is fully open to the public, renowned for its architecture, garden design, and decorative arts.

Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland Qian Minjian described the exhibition as "a feast of visual arts and a dialogue of hearts across cultures," noting that it reflects deepening cultural cooperation between China and Switzerland as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Year of Culture and Tourism.

A participant takes a photo of a delicate accessory during the exhibition "Anshan Cuijin - an Exhibition of Chinese Life Aesthetics" at the China Cultural Center in Bern, Switzerland, Aug. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Cui Ke, counselor at the Chinese Embassy and director of the China Cultural Center in Bern, called the exhibition a flagship project prepared over six months.

"These magnificent works from China will surely be appreciated by Swiss audiences, helping promote mutual understanding and friendship," said Cui.

Chen Xiaowen, deputy director of the Prince Kung's Palace Museum, said the event embodies the museum's vision of "traditional culture in contemporary expression."

"The exhibits include both original works by renowned Chinese artists and newly developed cultural creations, offering visitors a glimpse of refined modern life in China rooted in tradition," Chen added.

Philip Schorr from Germany, who studies Chinese at the Hua Xia Chinese School in Bern, said he has long been fascinated by Ming and Qing culture. "I look forward to seeing more cultural events like this in Switzerland," said Schorr.

Dino Rizzo from Switzerland said she enjoyed the exhibition because it vividly reflects "the culture and way of life of Chinese people."

A participant makes Chinese fans during the exhibition "Anshan Cuijin - an Exhibition of Chinese Life Aesthetics" at the China Cultural Center in Bern, Switzerland, Aug. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Walter Strahm, a Swiss art organizer, said exhibitions like this are important because they "bring culture to the people."

He noted that while not everyone can travel to China, such events encourage open-mindedness, strengthen ties between the two countries, and may even inspire future visits.

The exhibition, aimed at deepening friendship and spurring innovative cultural exchange, is scheduled to run from August 23 to October 25.