On the afternoon of April 1, 2026, the special lecture “The Splendor of the Silk Road as Recorded in Han Dynasty Bamboo and Wooden Slips", hosted by the School of Culture and Creativity (SCC), Culture, Creativity and Management Programme (CCM), was successfully held. Prior to the lecture, Dr. Zhu Jianjun, accompanied by Mr. Xie Jinlin from the School of General Education, visited the “Yiming Hall” Art Space on campus.

With a core focus on “Tea Studies, Aesthetics and Traditional Culture”, the space exhibits outstanding student craftworks and shadow puppetry-related collections. Mr. Xie Jinlin provided Dr. Zhu Jianjun with a detailed introduction to the historical origins, artistic features and cultural significance of shadow puppetry, allowing him to experience the distinctive charm of traditional intangible cultural heritage integrated with students’ creative practices.

Dr. Zhu Jianjun Visits “Yiming Hall” Art Space

Dr. Zhu Jianjun also donated a Qing Dynasty shadow puppet (Military Figure, Huanxian, Gansu) to the School of Culture and Creativity. The piece is now on display at “Yiming Hall” Art Space for teachers and students to visit and appreciate.

Qing Dynasty Shadow Puppet (Military Figure, Huanxian, Gansu)

Donated by Dr. Zhu Jianjun

Dr. Zhu Jianjun, Director of Shenzhen Art Museum and PhD in History, was specially invited as the speaker. Meanwhile, groups of distinguished guests were invited to attend, including:

ž Mr. Liu Chunchao, Director of Zhuhai Guyuan Art Museum and his team;

ž Mr. Wang Xiuzhang, Director of Zhuhai Contemporary Culture and Art Research Institute;

ž Ms. Cham Fungying, College Librarian;

ž Prof. Tze Ki Jackson HON, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences;

ž Dr. Yuan Yuan, Acting Assistant Dean of the School of Culture and Creativity (SCC) and Head of the Department of Culture, Creativity and Design (DCCD);

ž Dr. Wang Xi, Programme Director of Culture, Creativity and Management (CCM).

Many teachers and students also joined the event to witness the integration of traditional culture and professional practice.

Afterwards, Dr. Yuan Yuan, Acting Assistant Dean of SCC and Department Head of DCCD, delivered a speech. She warmly welcomed Dr. Zhu Jianjun, all guests, teachers and students. She stated that cultural translation and visual narration are the core competencies of the department. She added that the lecture deepened understanding of Han bamboo slips and Silk Road civilization, and inspired students to revitalize traditions and pursue contemporary innovation. Following the speech, Dr. Yuan Yuan presented a certificate of appreciation and a souvenir to Dr. Zhu Jianjun, and they took a group photo.

Dr. Yuan Yuan Delivers Opening Remarks

Dr. Yuan Yuan (Right) presented a certificate of appreciation and a souvenir to Dr. Zhu Jianjun (Left).

The lecture focused on the themes of Han Bamboo Slips and Silk Road Civilization, exploring their profound cultural connotations and unique charm. Drawing on his research, Dr. Zhu Jianjun explained the historical and cultural value of Han bamboo slips and their close connection with Silk Road civilization in accessible language with vivid examples. He led the audience to revisit Silk Road history and appreciate the profundity of traditional Chinese culture.

Following the lecture, Dr. Zhu Jianjun prepared a special surprise for the students. He generously presented 20 copies of his book “A Brief Introduction to China: Curatorial Notes of the Gansu Bamboo Slips Museum” to the students free of charge. Students receive this meaningful gift, which embodies profound cultural heritage and sincere professional expectations.

Through the lecture, students gained a deeper understanding of Han bamboo slips culture and Silk Road civilization. They learned to draw inspiration from traditional culture, integrate it with creative design and communication, and enhance their cultural literacy and practical skills. This has laid a solid foundation for their future study and practice in cultural creativity.

Text：Ms. Ivy Luo Zhuo

Image：Mr. Zhang Sinan