The Fair South Recalled – Shanghai lntangible Cultural Heritage Painting Exhibition opened at the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Australia, on April 2.

Jointly organized by the information office and the foreign affairs office of the Shanghai municipal government, as well as Shanghai United Media Group, Jiefang Daily, the Jinshan district government of Shanghai, and the Sydney Chinese Cultural Center, the exhibition aims to tell a Chinese story to spread Shanghai's image to more foreigners.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The event's opening ceremony attracted many Australians, including celebrities from the cultural and artistic communities and universities.

Following last year's stop at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan, the Jinshan Farmer Paintings, an important intangible cultural heritage of Shanghai, were brought to Australia as part of the exhibits. Following the opening display, they will move to the Sydney Chinese Cultural Center, the first Chinese cultural center established by China in Oceania, for a 10-day exhibition.

The painting Poplar Blossoms in March amazed many with its special ambiance wafting over the spring of Jiangnan (the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), while the Cultural Circle of Shanghai People's Square resonated with John Huie, a well-known Australian music producer who lived in Shanghai for 10 years.

"The streets in the painting are close to our home in Shanghai, where my wife and I have many wonderful memories," Huie said.

"Shanghai is a beautiful city full of humanistic charm. I created two albums and many Jiangnan-themed songs there, some of which blend jazz and Chinese classical music, and are deeply loved by friends. We really love Shanghai and look forward to visiting the city again in the near future," Huie added.

The Jinshan Farmer Paintings were born from folk artists' experiences of rural life and characterized by their flat modeling, bright colors, and full composition. Thousands of pieces of the paintings have been exhibited across China and in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Germany, and Canada, gradually becoming an important link for cross-cultural communication.

At the opening ceremony, Li Yuan, a painter of the Jinshan Farmer Paintings, presented a painting titled Flower Goose to David van Nunen, president of the Australian Watercolor Society. Another painting of Li, Love of the Sea, which is themed on the Sydney Opera House, was also displayed.

"Jinshan Farmer Paintings are imaginative. From the paintings, I can feel many similarities between Sydney and Shanghai, Australia and China. The people of both countries are equally passionate and love life. I am very pleased to participate in such a wonderful cultural exchange," said Nunen.

At the opening ceremony, a series of booklets titled Shanghai City Archeology and International Services Shanghai: A Guide to Shanghai for Expats were also available onsite, showcasing the innovation, vitality and lifestyle conveniences of Shanghai.

Wang Chunsheng, acting consul-general of the Chinese Consulate-general in Sydney; Robert Kok, deputy mayor of Sydney; and Peter Weitzel, chairman of the Australia China Friendship Society NSW, attended the opening ceremony.

Source: "shanghaifabu" WeChat account