International Event for Bada Shanren's 400th Birth Anniversary Held in Jiangxi

An international event titled "The Cosmos as Inner Heart: International Youth Step Into Bada Shanren's World of Art" was held in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province on September 22, 2026. The event commemorated the 400th birth anniversary of Bada Shanren, a renowned master of Chinese calligraphy and painting, in his hometown of Qingyunpu District.

Youth representatives and guests from 19 countries and regions, including the United States, Russia, Morocco, and the Republic of Korea, participated. The initiative aimed to promote understanding of Bada Shanren's art and disseminate traditional Chinese culture among young people globally. The program included visits to special exhibitions, introductions to art collections, stamp-collecting activities, rubbing art creation, and copying ink paintings.

Participants shared positive experiences. Yagshygeldiyeva Aygul from Turkmenistan stated that seeing Bada Shanren's original works offered a different perspective than online learning. Alfina Kildiiarova from Russia found the rubbing art activity engaging and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange. Robel Tilahun from Ethiopia drew parallels between calligraphy and his country's artistic traditions, calling the experience "magnificent."

The event combined cultural education with hands-on artistic experiences, aiming to increase the international reach of Bada Shanren's legacy. Bada Shanren (1626-1705) is recognized for his profound aesthetics and significant contributions to Chinese art history.