Using Culture as a Bridge: Jointly Charting a New Vision for Civilizational Exchange Between the Two Cities
A cultural dialogue spanning mountains and seas unfolded in Longhua, Shenzhen. On July 18, as key supporting events of the 2026 Shenzhen·Milan Twin Cities Fashion Week, the China-Italy Cultural Exchange Forum, the Digital and Smart Fashion Exploration Tour, and the Luhu Fashion Night were held consecutively. Government representatives, experts, scholars, artists, and industry leaders from China and Italy deepened their mutual understanding through intellectual exchange, enhanced their knowledge through city tours, and forged connections through collaborative artistic creation, collectively painting a vivid picture of cultural exchange and mutual learning between Shenzhen and Milan.
From the historical context of Milan’s Sforza Castle to the innovative transformation of Guanlan printmaking; from the preservation and promotion of urban cultural IPs to the improvised symphony of traditional Ruan music and electronic sounds—these rich and diverse cultural events allowed guests from China and abroad to experience Longhua’s urban character, where tradition and modernity blend and culture and technology coexist. They also enabled Longhua’s urban culture to be seen, heard, and remembered by more international friends through the “Twin Cities” platform.
Connecting Through Literature: A Discussion on the Preservation and Innovation of Urban Culture
The China-Italy Cultural Exchange Event held that day focused on topics such as urban cultural IP management, international artistic collaboration, the development of the cultural and creative industries, and cross-cultural communication. Officials from the culture, radio, television, tourism, and sports departments of Shenzhen Municipality and Longhua District, along with guests from the cultural, artistic, and industrial sectors of both countries, gathered to build consensus on cooperation through thematic presentations, case studies, and open discussions.
Li Ruizhang, Commissioner and First-Level Researcher at the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports; Chen Yuxin, Fourth-Level Researcher in the Cultural Industry Development Division of the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports; Lai Dan, Party Group Secretary of the Longhua District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports; Guo Qingwen, Director of the China·Guanlan Original Printmaking Industry Base in Longhua District; and Zhao Jiachun, Deputy Director of the same base; Liu Jie, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen International Cultural Industries Fair Co., Ltd., and Zhang Yinglin, General Manager of Oriental Song and Dance Troupe (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., attended the event.
Tommaso Sacchi, Cultural Commissioner of Milan, Italy; Maria Jole Serreli, an interdisciplinary artist from Italy; Giovanni Esposito Vulgo Gigante, representing the Leg and Arm visual design team, Luca Michilli, Italian blogger Alessandro Conti, and Italian vlogger and content creator Andrea Randisi, among other guests, attended the event.
Tommaso Sacchi, Deputy Mayor of Milan, delivered a presentation titled “Sforza Castle Between Leonardo and Michelangelo: A Symbol of Our Culture,” in which he outlined the historical development and cultural significance of Sforza Castle, as well as its practices in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the development of classic cultural IP. The experience of Milan—demonstrating how historic architecture can be integrated into contemporary urban life and how cultural heritage can be transformed into tangible, participatory, and sustainable public cultural resources—has opened up new avenues for reflection in the exchange between the two cities.
Guo Qingwen, Director of the Guanlan Printmaking Base, delivered a presentation titled “A Metamorphosis from a Centuries-Old Village to the World Capital of Printmaking: The Guanlan Original Printmaking Industry Base,” sharing Longhua’s efforts to promote cultural heritage and innovation and foster international artistic exchange through printmaking; Zhang Yinglin, General Manager of the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., introduced the construction progress of the “Oriental Theater Circuit · Shenzhen Longhua Oriental Theater Complex” and discussed the initiative to connect the city’s cultural future through high-quality performing arts content. Experiences from different cities and various art forms converged in Longhua, fully demonstrating the unique value of culture in shaping urban brands, stimulating innovation, and fostering people-to-people bonds.
During the open discussion session, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as the development of cultural brands in Chinese and Italian cities, the integration of cultural and tourism resources, the development of cross-border cultural and creative products, and international cultural dissemination. These discussions opened up new avenues for cultural institutions in both regions to strengthen ties, share artistic resources, and promote the coordinated development of the cultural and creative industries.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Turning Cultural Landmarks into Windows for International Exchange
Cultural exchange extends beyond the conference venue and into the urban spaces of Longhua. During the “Digital, Smart, and Fashionable Exploration Tour,” international guests visited the Shenzhen (Longhua) International Cooperation Center and the China·Guanlan Original Printmaking Industry Base, among other locations. Through on-site visits and interactive exchanges, they experienced Longhua’s open and inclusive urban character and its rich, vibrant cultural heritage.
At the Shenzhen (Longhua) International Cooperation Center, guests gained a detailed understanding of Longhua’s innovative practices in connecting with international resources and facilitating exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. The open and convenient international service environment allowed overseas guests to experience Longhua’s sincerity in embracing the world, while also providing new points of connection for deeper exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, the arts, and the creative industries.
Upon entering the China·Guolan Original Printmaking Industry Base, the vibrant creative atmosphere inside the printmaking workshop drew guests to stop and watch. Everyone gained a close-up understanding of the printmaking process—from conception and plate-making to printing—and engaged in in-depth discussions with on-site staff about printmaking techniques, artistic creation, and international cultural exchange, while taking photos from time to time to capture the moment. The delicate knife work, rich textures, and the craftsmanship embodied in every print sparked a keen interest in printmaking among the international guests.
Strolling through the International Artists’ Village, the rustic village setting and the open artistic atmosphere complement each other beautifully. Traditional architecture, art studios, and contemporary creations blend naturally here, allowing guests to gain a firsthand understanding of Guanlan’s journey from a century-old village to an international platform for artistic exchange. Throughout the tour, participants walked, observed, listened, and asked questions, frequently praising Longhua’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage, promote artistic innovation, and foster international exchange.
The international guests expressed high praise for Guanlan printmaking and Longhua’s cultural ecosystem, and offered positive feedback on the development path that blends traditional culture with contemporary creativity. This immersive tour allowed everyone to gain a deeper understanding of Longhua and also brought broader attention to Guanlan printmaking—a cultural calling card with a distinctive urban identity—through the firsthand experiences of the international guests.
From discussions at the venue to city tours, and from learning about cultural resources to experiencing creative works firsthand, the “Explore and Connect” tour transformed Longhua’s cultural stories into vibrant scenes that can be seen, experienced, and shared, further showcasing Longhua’s urban image—one that combines historical depth, innovative vitality, and an international perspective.
Conveying Emotions Through Music: Contemporary Expression Revitalizes Traditional Culture
As night fell, the cultural exchange continued at the Luhu Art Center. Chinese and international guests toured the exhibitions, experiencing the fusion of art, fashion, and urban space as they moved through the ever-changing scenery. The diverse cultural content complemented the public art space, opening a new window for guests to explore the vibrant cultural life of Longhua.
Next, the Luhu Fashion Night presented “The Movement of Heaven and Earth | Ruan Xian’s Electronic Improvisation Live,” which also marked the Luhu Arts Center’s first-ever “Livehouse” event. Traditional instruments such as the Ruan Xian and Zhong Ruan engaged in an improvised dialogue with synthesizers and modular systems, as traditional string tones and electronic pulses converged within the black-box theater.
This open, immersive performance experience breaks down the barriers between the stage and the audience, placing the audience right in the midst of the flowing sounds. Ancient musical instruments are no longer merely cultural symbols on display or objects of nostalgia; instead, they take on new life within a contemporary soundscape, vividly showcasing the boundless possibilities for the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional culture.
From static exhibitions to dynamic performances, and from visual experiences to auditory resonance, the Lu Lake Fashion Night enriches the cultural exchange between the two cities through diverse artistic forms, allowing guests from different cultural backgrounds to deepen their understanding and foster a greater sense of connection within a cultural setting that is engaging, immersive, and interactive.
Using Fashion Week as a Platform: Shining a Spotlight on the City’s International Cultural Identity
Culture thrives through exchange, and civilization is enriched through mutual learning. From intellectual dialogue to visits to iconic landmarks, from case studies to open and immersive art experiences, the series of events on July 18 used culture as a bond and art as a bridge to bring the urban cultures of Shenzhen and Milan into a single dialogue, while also presenting to the world the image of Longhua as a city that combines historical depth, innovative vitality, and an open spirit.
Organized by the Shenzhen Industrial Design Industry Association, the 2026 Shenzhen-Milan Twin Cities Fashion Week serves not only as a platform for showcasing fashion and creativity but also as an important window for promoting cultural exchange between the two cities. Leveraging this international platform, Longhua actively promotes the city’s culture, continuously expands the reach and influence of high-quality cultural content, further enhances the city’s reputation and international influence, and injects new momentum into deeper, more sustainable, and practical cooperation between Shenzhen and Milan in the fields of culture, art, and cultural tourism.
In the future, Longhua will continue to embrace an open attitude toward connecting with high-quality cultural resources from around the world. Through more diverse exchange activities, richer cultural experiences, and more compelling urban narratives, it will promote cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the rest of the world, allowing the world to see a more vibrant and charming Longhua, Shenzhen, through culture.
