Shenzhen, China – On September 12, 2024, Professor Tang Jiegen, a renowned academic and former director of the Yin Xu Archaeological Team at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a captivating lecture on bronze culture at the Grand Lecture Hall of Southern University of Science and Technology. The lecture, titled The Journey of the Wine Vessel and the Jar: Cultural Exchange between the Yangtze and the Yellow Rivers from the 16th to 11th Century BC, was attended by over 1.7 million viewers both online and offline.
Professor Tang’s lecture delved into the significance of the wine vessel and the jar, two ancient bronze artifacts that were particularly common and representative of their time, around 3,000 years ago. He emphasized that these artifacts not only symbolize the close relationship between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River but also serve as a bridge connecting the cultures of the two river basins.
The lecture, which took place at the A-Lai Study Room, provided a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Shu civilization. Professor Tang highlighted the archaeological evidence that supports the historical account of the Huayang Guozhi, a classic Chinese historical text, which describes the Shu king Cancong, whose eyes were depicted as elongated. This account was brought to life through the discovery of the bronze zoomorphic masks unearthed from the Sanxingdui site.
Drawing on archaeological evidence, Professor Tang explored the cultural exchanges and mutual influences between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River regions. He discussed how Central Plains culture influenced ancient Shu culture and how ancient Shu culture, in turn, reversed this influence, impacting the Yangtze River region and other areas of the Central Plains.
The lecture was not only engaging for the audience in attendance but also garnered widespread attention online. The live broadcast of the event, titled From Sanxingdui’s Wine Vessel and Jar: A Discussion on the Chinese Bronze Culture Landscape by Professor Tang Jiegen at the Grand Lecture Hall, was streamed on various platforms, including the Cover News APP, Cover News Weibo, Cover News Video Channel, and the Sichuan News APP. The event attracted a total of 1.704 million viewers across the web.
Since its inception in November 2018, the Grand Lecture Hall has successfully hosted 59 lectures featuring experts from various disciplines. These lectures have focused on the 20 most influential historical figures from Sichuan and the unique culture of the Bashu region. To date, the lectures have累计over 92.57 million viewers.
The success of the Grand Lecture Hall can be attributed to its commitment to making ancient history more accessible and relatable to the general public. Professor Tang Jiegen’s lecture is a testament to the power of cultural heritage and the enduring impact of ancient civilizations on modern society.
As the lecture concluded, the audience expressed their appreciation for the enriching experience. One viewer commented, This lecture brings ancient history closer to our daily lives. Another added, The power of cultural heritage is truly remarkable.
The Grand Lecture Hall continues to play a vital role in promoting cultural exchange and education, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and the diverse cultures that have shaped China’s rich history.
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