On the morning of 19 January, the Golden Snake Welcomes Spring—the 10th Chinese Zodiac Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition, jointly organised by Pingdingshan University, Shanghai Pudong New Area Cultural and Art Guidance Centre, and our university, officially opened at the Jinhai Cultural and Art Centre in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included Liu Xiaoyun, former President of Shanghai Higher People's Court; Hua Xiaopeng, Party Secretary of Pingdingshan University; Xu Yang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of our university; Bi Zhenjun, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cultural and Art Guidance Centre; and Mei Guojian, Dean and Lifetime Professor of the Ceramics College at Pingdingshan University. The ceremony was hosted by Wu Jianbiao, Head of the Publicity Department at Pingdingshan University.
Since its inaugural exhibition Golden Monkey Welcomes Spring in 2016, this zodiac-themed series exhibition has been successfully organised ten times, cumulatively showcasing more than 2,300 ceramic sculptures and attracting nearly one million visitors. It has greatly enriched Shanghai's urban aesthetic education resources and played an important role in inheriting and promoting China's outstanding traditional culture.
Hua Xiaopeng announced the official opening of the exhibition.
In his speech, Xu Yang introduced our university's educational history and philosophy, noting that the Chinese Zodiac Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition series has breathed new life and contemporary resonance into traditional zodiac culture through innovative perspectives and forms, embodying the profound cultural heritage and creative spirit of the Chinese nation.
The theme of this year's exhibition is Golden Snake Welcomes Spring, featuring more than 200 sets of exquisite artworks, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Han Meilin, high-quality folk collections, innovative creations by young artists, and creative cultural products designed by teachers and students from Pingdingshan University. These exhibits vividly demonstrate the rich imagery and cultural symbolism of the zodiac snake, highlighting the unique artistic charm of Chinese ceramic culture. The exhibition will remain open until 22 May 2025, providing ample viewing opportunities for citizens, tourists, and ceramic art enthusiasts alike.
