Imagine the magic that unfolds when the timeless allure of ancient Eastern culture converges with the dynamic vibrancy of modern creative experiences. On March 1, an extraordinary event titled "Discover Fun in Yangpu" Art Fun came to life. Under the guidance of the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Administration (Yangpu Cultural Heritage Administration) and hosted by the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Affairs Administrative Center (Cultural Relics Affairs Administrative Center), this gathering wove together the essence of traditional culture, the thrill of interactive exploration, and the seamless integration of cultural, commercial, tourism, sports, and exhibition elements. It invited international students from universities, online celebrities, and travel enthusiasts on a journey of discovery.

Ink and Paper: A Journey through the Legacy of Ancient Books

On that afternoon, foreign friends and online celebrities convened at the inaugural venue of the event - China Modern Press and Publication Museum, ushering in a novel and immersive exploration of Yangpu's artistic and cultural heritage.

As China's first of its kind, the museum boasts a collection of nearly 600,000 diverse publications that trace the development trajectory of China's press and publication industry. Within its walls, the splendor of a century of progress is encapsulated. The foreign visitors, enveloped by the aroma of aged paper and fresh ink, listened intently to the guides' narratives, piecing together the intricate clues of modern Chinese history.

One exhibit that drew particular attention was the Kizil Grottoes, a typical example of Xinjiang's Qiuci grotto complex. Through an augmented reality (AR) application, the visitors were able to virtually step inside the restored caves and marvel at the resplendent murals. For them, this interactive experience brought the ancient art of the Western Regions to life.

Ekaterina Pushkarenko, a student of Tongji University from Russia, found herself captivated by the exhibit. "It's absolutely amazing! The murals seem to breathe, as if I were transported back to those ancient caves. It's such a unique experience. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to explore this cultural treasure," she exclaimed.

Beyond the exhibits, the event featured a hands-on workshop where participants could experience traditional Chinese bookbinding. After a brief introduction to its history, the foreign visitors eagerly engaged in the craft - cutting paper, applying paste, and binding pages. The room was filled with the gentle rustle of paper, a testament to their enthusiasm.

"For me, this is a completely new experience. Bookbinding seems easy, but it demands great patience and precision. The sense of accomplishment when I see my completed creation is truly rewarding," said Ma Qionglin, a former senior editor and executive chief editor of World Traveller Magazine and Travel + Leisure, her face beaming with joy. As an alumna of Fudan University, she felt a deep connection to the district. "I'll certainly be back for any similar event in the future!"

Distant Friends Journey to Discover the Charm of Dunhuang

Stepping out of the realm of ink and paper, the foreign visitors found themselves at the district's new cultural sensation - Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum. This museum was repurposed from an old parking garage, recreates the artistic splendor of Dunhuang, transporting its enigmatic charm thousands of miles to our doorstep.

Through the event, Yangpu showcased its cultural landmarks and unique tourism offerings to its foreign friends. The aim was to inspire more foreign travelers to explore Shanghai, China, and the world through the lens of Yangpu, weaving a rich tapestry of multi-dimensional inbound tourism. Among these highlights, the Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum stood out as a premier recommendation, captivating audiences with its unparalleled artistic charm.

During the visit, the foreign visitors explored the museum's flagship exhibition - Staging Dunhuang that brought together works from 21 leading contemporary artists. This fusion of modern art and ancient Dunhuang civilization created a mesmerizing dialogue across time. Numerous interactive art installations in the museum became popular spots for photo-taking and social media check-ins.

This visit was highlighted by the hands-on creation of Dunhuang fragrant badges. The foreign visitors, under the expert guidance of instructors, meticulously ground spices into powder, following recipes discovered in the Mogao Grottoes' Sutra Cave.  "The finer the spice powder, the more exquisite the final badge will be,"  emphasized an instructor, who assisted everyone in overcoming any difficulties they encountered during the process . Soon, by blending the spices and shaping them, exquisite fragrant badges, based on ancient formulas, emerged.

Lennart Rott, a student of Tongji University from Germany, quickly mastered the craft and created two fragrant badges within the limited time. "I rarely engage in handicrafts, but this experience has ignited my passion for it. This event has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to explore something entirely new while immersing myself in the profound depth of Chinese culture," he said.

Immersed in Tang Dynasty Charm: A Leisurely Afternoon of Tea and Culture

From an old factory building to a national hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, the transformation of Changyang Campus is nothing short of remarkable. It now stands as a paragon of seamless integration between tech innovation and cultural creativity. Home to the Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum, Changyang Campus served as the final destination of this cultural journey. Here, every experience, whether a leisurely city stroll, a coffee break, or a visit to a boutique, exudes a sense of relaxed delight.

Changyang Campus is dotted with popular check-in spots showcasing its "industrial chic" heritage. One such highlight is the XYPLUSZ Gallery. With its universe-themed design featuring flowing galaxies and twinkling lights, the museum transports visitors into a world of planetary exploration, making every moment an adventure. In this starlit art space, a cultural encounter was happening.

Ge Yajun, a national first-class tea artist, delivered a lecture on the history and craftsmanship of Tangguozi (a Tang Dynasty snack) in the museum's sharing space. Through her engaging narrative based on abundant historical materials, she seamlessly bridged ancient teahouse ambiance with modern life scenes.

The event was imbued with a vibrant atmosphere, as the visitors listened with rapt attention and posed inquiries with enthusiasm. Queries such as "What are the ingredients used in the fillings of guozi?", "In what ways do contemporary guozi differ from their traditional counterparts?", and "Can we taste them now?" resonated through the air. These sweet Tang Dynasty pastries have now evolved into a distinctive delight for the modern afternoon tea experience. "As traditional Chinese culture experiences resurgence, the lifestyle aesthetics of the Tang and Song dynasties have emerged as a fashionable and cherished trend among the global youth today."

The "Discover Fun in Yangpu" experience has transformed industrial heritage into a cultural vessels, where traditional craftsmanship converges with digital expression. Yangpu stands not merely as an immersive haven for traditional Chinese culture, but also as a harmonious melting pot for diverse civilizations to coexist and thrive.

Looking ahead, the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Administration will continuously enrich the essence of the inbound tourism IP - "Discover Fun in Yangpu". Through partnering with cultural luminaries, linking cultural landmarks, and inviting global travelers on the "Discover Fun in Yangpu" journey, Yangpu aims to establish an innovative "1+X" inbound tourism development model that integrates one core IP with a multitude of complementary endeavors, thereby enabling a greater number of foreign travelers to "encounter China, comprehend Shanghai, and enjoy in Yangpu".