The University of Crete proudly hosted the exhibition “City and Countryside: The Vitality of China’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage” on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Voutes campus in Heraklion. The event celebrated the enduring richness of Chinese architectural tradition and further strengthened the university’s commitment to academic and cultural cooperation with China.
The exhibition showcased an array of architectural models—including the iconic Yellow Crane Tower—alongside rubbing kits, flipbooks, books, brochures, and curated audiovisual material. These exhibits offered visitors an engaging introduction to the artistic, structural, and historical dimensions of Chinese architecture, as well as its resilience amid rapid modernization.
The University of Crete was honored to welcome two distinguished representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Greece: Mr. Zhu Zhigang, Counselor, and Professor Wang Ying, First Secretary. The University of Crete was represented by Professor Eleni Tamiolaki, Vice-Rector of Development, International Relations and Outreach, and Professor Maria Vamvakaki, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Lifelong Learning, and Research Policy.
A series of short videos created by Shandong Earthquake Agency and Shandong Jiaotong University were screened during the event. The videos introduced the cultural symbolism and engineering sophistication of the Yellow Crane Tower and highlighted ancient Chinese architectural techniques designed to withstand earthquakes. These presentations offered audiences a compelling look at the ingenuity that characterizes China’s architectural heritage.
Adding a personal dimension, UoC students who participated in the YES Program in the summer of 2025 shared firsthand impressions from their visits to Beijing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Presentations by Michail Papathanasiou, Zacharoula Oikonomou, Georgios Soulikias, and Eleni Tsotsi illustrated the vibrant contrasts of China’s architectural landscape and emphasized the value of experiential learning in fostering cultural understanding.
The University of Crete extends its sincere appreciation for the generous donation of Chinese language teaching resources—offered jointly by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Shandong Jiaotong University (SJTU), People’s Education Press, and China Education Publishing & Media Group. This contribution substantially enriches the university’s expanding Chinese language curriculum and reflects a mutual commitment to long-term educational collaboration.
The exhibition was curated by the SIONSYN team, who invited visitors to participate in a hands-on calligraphy workshop and tea-tasting. These cultural activities created a welcoming environment and deepened participants’ engagement with Chinese traditions. The University of Crete warmly thanks the SIONSYN team for both their support in organizing the exhibition and their contribution to the cultural experience.
The university looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Chinese partners, expanding avenues for cultural exchange, and cultivating new opportunities for academic innovation and international engagement.
