By CGTN’s Luo Yu
The 11th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos is being held in the China’s northeast coastal city of Dalian.
The meeting has become a key gathering on science, technology and innovation since 2007. But more and more Chinese cultural elements are felt at the forum.
This is not the first time Chinese culture is included in the meeting, but it is the first time for traditional Chinese medicine.
Guests around the world can visit a clinic on the sidelines during the forum. Doctors will check their pulse, a crucial step for practitioners to diagnose patients in traditional Chinese medicine.
Pharmacists are preparing herbs for patients at Sun-Good Hospital in Dalian. /CGTN Photo
As part of a Chinese cultural promotion campaign during the forum, attendees can visit Dalian Sun-Good Hospital to experience some of the treatment methods as well, such as acupuncture, massage and indulge themselves in a big meal that is said to contain a lot of culinary herbs.
“These activities will help guests from around the world feel relaxed and comfortable, and convince them of its effectiveness,” said Wang Xin, director of the hospital.
Apart from traditional Chinese medicine, Summer Davos has more to offer.
Traditionally called Cha Dao, or Teaism, it is the harmonious mixture of tea, water and utensils. Skilled pourers try their best to create an environment that is full of fragrance and taste of the tea.
During Summer Davos, guests will be invited to Tong Yuan Tea House in downtown Dalian to have a sip of Longjing tea, feeling its scented buds and tender leaves.
A tea art specialist is preparing Longjing tea at Tong Yuan Tea House in Dalian. /CGTN Photo
“Chinese Teaism is not only about tea, it reflects Chinese people's attitude towards life and wisdom. We hope that through Summer Davos, people will understand Chinese culture and promote this culture to the outside world,” said Gu Xiaorong, staff of the tea house.
Dalian, dubbed the “Romantic City” of China, features a mixture of modernity and tradition. Although the city is not the cradle of traditional Chinese medicine, Peking Opera or the art of tea, local residents are proud of their fine Chinese traditions.
The file photo shows a Peking Opera performance in Dalian. /VCG Photo
“For example, many great Peking Opera stars have performed here in Dalian. It's a long way from Beijing, where the opera comes from, but local residents have a fine tradition of appreciating the art. Diverse cultures converge in this city, with pop culture widely embraced and traditional culture well preserved,” said Yang Chi, director and artist with Dalian Peking Opera Theater.
During the three-day packed meeting that ranges from the world's economy to artificial intelligence helping to shape the world, there are many places for the participants to go to help rest their mind and body. Guests can thus explore the ancient and authentic Chinese culture that has been cherished by the nation for many generations.
