China-Russia Connection: Step into the Tsarskoye Selo, a touch of chinoiserie in Russia

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02:39

China has gone from being a mysterious and closed country to a source of inspiration for European artists, designers and architects. I visited Tsarskoye Selo -- or the so-called Royal Village -- near the city of St. Petersburg -- a place where China's influence is still alive and well.

A walk in a Chinese village. That is the feeling making my way through the Alexander Park of Tsarskoye Selo in Russia.

As a superb monument of architecture and garden-and-park design dating from the 18th to early 20th centuries, the Tsarskoye Selo shows a Russian passion for chinoiserie.

The elements were also used in the decoration of palace interiors. The Chinese Blue Drawing room got its name from the fact that, for some 150 years, its walls were lined with blue Chinese silk decorated with landscape and genre scenes. It does add an exotic oriental touch.

Beyond its history, the landmark draws interest for culture exchange.

So far, 80 percent of tourists are from China. They come to see the golden age of chinoiserie, and to understand its significance in modern times.

A fresh look at the past inspire new hope for the future. Tian Wei, CGTN, St Petersburg.