On 9th January 2025, Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School (PKXYS) successfully hosted its 4th lecture in the "Pui Kiu Xinyi Master Classes" series. We were honoured to invite Mr. SHAN Jixiang, the 6th Director of the Palace Museum and current Director of the Expert Committee of the China Cultural Relics Society, as well as the Director of the Academic Committee of the Palace Museum. Mr. SHAN delivered a captivating lecture on "Telling the Story of China" to over 800 students, teachers, and parents from schools in Longhua District.

Mr. SHAN took the stage and eloquently shared the remarkable journey of China's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. He recounted the country's relentless dedication to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and highlighted his own team's painstaking work to remove commercial facilities and carefully restore each building and artefact, breathing new life into the Palace Museum. As the museum continues to expand its visitor areas, once-empty halls now echo with the sounds of traditional Peking opera, and the old ice cellar has been transformed into elegant leisure spaces. The ancient Forbidden City shines with renewed brilliance in the modern era!

During the lecture, Mr. SHAN captivated the audience with his humour and insightful explanations, sparking a strong interest and passion for traditional culture among those present. Notably, Mr. SHAN introduced innovative projects such as the documentary "Masters in the Forbidden City," the museum's creative cultural products, educational initiatives, and VR exhibitions. These initiatives bring traditional culture to life in a more engaging and accessible way, awakening a new generation's admiration and love for China's cultural heritage and inspiring more people to engage in the mission of preserving and promoting Chinese culture.

Moreover, one of our students presented Mr. SHAN with a calligraphy piece featuring classical poetry from the Palace Museum, symbolising their firm belief in and commitment to cultural preservation. Mr. SHE Songjia, Director of PKXYS, and Dr. WANG Hongjun, Executive Principal, also presented Mr. SHAN with school souvenirs and extended a warm welcome to him and other distinguished guests, such as Ms. WANG Qing, Deputy Director of the Longhua District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports Bureau, to tour the campus.

Looking ahead, PKXYS will continue to uphold the educational philosophy of "Nurture Brilliant Generations." We are committed to cultivating students who possess both a deep cultural foundation and an international perspective, contributing to the global spread of Chinese culture!

Appendix: Brief Introduction to the Guest Speaker

Mr. SHAN Jixiang

Senior Architect, Certified Urban Planner

PhD in Engineering from Tsinghua University, Doctoral Supervisor

6th Director of the Palace Museum

Director of the Expert Committee of the China Cultural Relics Society

Director of the Academic Committee of the Palace Museum

Key Achievements:

1. Cultural Heritage Preservation and Urban Planning

·Led the application for World Heritage status for projects such as the Beijing Central Axis, the Grand Canal, and the Historic Centre of Macao.

·During his tenure at the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, oversaw several cultural preservation projects, including the restoration of the moat (Tongzi River) around the Forbidden City and the conservation of the Old Summer Palace ruins.

·Served as Director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (2002-2012), promoting the preservation of cultural heritage amidst China's rapid urbanisation.

2. Palace Museum Management and Reform

·As the 6th Director of the Palace Museum (2012-2019), led significant reforms and innovations, including adjusting visitor limits, repairing and opening more buildings, and reorganising exhibition spaces.

·Promoted the digitisation of the Palace Museum, using modern technology to spread its cultural legacy, making its priceless artefacts and history accessible to a global audience.

·Facilitated the construction of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, enabling the museum's treasures to be showcased in Hong Kong, promoting the continuity of Chinese culture.

3. Academic Research and Social Recognition

·Authored numerous works on urban planning, cultural heritage preservation, and Palace Museum culture, including Urban Development and Cultural Heritage Preservation and From "Functional City" to "Cultural City".

·Received the Forbes Prize, which recognises outstanding work in cultural heritage preservation, the "Chinese Cultural Figures of 2015" award, and other honours.

Author:  Communications Department