Over the past few days, there has been a great deal of discussion surrounding the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China’s Zhejiang province. This incredible event represents the largest and most prestigious international sports event held by China since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. With the largest number of participants and the grandest scale of participation in Asian Games history, it serves as a true testament to China’s national strength and elevated international status. 

The Hangzhou Asian Games presents a good opportunity to showcase the country’s image to the world, while also promoting Chinese culture. Moreover, it will undoubtedly ignite a fervent Asian Games atmosphere in Hong Kong and spark a nationwide sports craze. By recounting the narrative of China’s transformation from a sports powerhouse to an even greater sports power, and by highlighting stories of athletes’ perseverance in their pursuit of self-improvement and personal triumph, we can aim to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and cultural identity among Hong Kong residents towards their homeland, ultimately fostering cultural confidence and solidarity.

At present, a multitude of captivating competitions are well underway. As Chinese athletes deliver outstanding performances, the triumphant sound of the national anthem, March of the Volunteers, resounds throughout the arenas, igniting a strong sense of patriotism among Chinese citizens. Within the borders of the motherland, Hong Kong compatriots also join in the celebration of these victorious achievements. The Asian Games embodies the allure of traditional Chinese aesthetics, displaying traditional Chinese culture to the world. This was evident during the opening ceremony held on Sept 23. On this magnificent evening, a plethora of breathtaking moments seamlessly integrated elements of Chinese traditional culture with the world of sports.

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From the refined melodies of carols to the display of plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum patterns, representing the four “noble plants”, as athletes entered the stadium, to the design of the lotus-shaped stadiums, and the release of sky lanterns, there have been numerous extraordinary scenes that demonstrate the integration of Chinese traditional culture on the global stage. Moreover, this Asian Games brilliantly incorporates countless meticulously curated details, rich in symbolic meaning and ingenious ideas, silently conveying the essence of traditional Chinese culture, narrating engaging Chinese stories, and showcasing Chinese wisdom.

The strength of a nation lies within the mutual affinity shared among its people, and this mutual affinity is predicated on a deep mutual understanding of one another’s hearts 

For instance, the opening ceremony was intentionally held on Sept 23, coinciding with the autumnal equinox of the traditional Chinese 24 solar terms. These solar terms represent the unique timekeeping system of the Chinese people, embodying the wisdom of their traditional way of life. Another example is the bouquet held by athletes when awarded, aptly named “fruitful”, with osmanthus branches symbolizing the laurels won by scholars in years gone by . These thoughtful designs and artistic innovations are borne out of a profound exploration of traditional Chinese culture, harmoniously melded with the spirit of Chinese aesthetics and modern artistic pursuits. Ultimately, this cultural convergence functions as a window for the global community to perceive China’s cultural confidence, rendering China and its people more approachable and captivating.

China’s 14th Five-Year Plan highlights its support for Hong Kong to develop eight major centers, including a hub for Chinese and foreign cultural and artistic exchange. Hong Kong, with its advantage of “one country, two systems”, has proven instrumental in the nation’s development ever since its early stages of reform and opening up. It has successfully played a vital role in facilitating Chinese mainland enterprises’ expansion into and connection with overseas markets. Combining both Chinese and Western cultures, as well as the ancient and the modern, Hong Kong serves as a gateway for the world to comprehensively understand Chinese culture. Furthermore, it acts as a pivotal platform for the globalization of Chinese culture. 

Looking ahead, Hong Kong is slated to assume an even more prominent role in fostering cultural exchanges. The strength of a nation lies within the mutual affinity shared among its people, and this mutual affinity is predicated on a deep mutual understanding of one another’s hearts. 

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As Hong Kong progressively integrates itself into the broader development trajectory of the country, it should fully leverage its inherent advantages, functioning as a bridge for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and the world. By virtue of its  extraordinary connectivity, Hong Kong can showcase the Chinese nation to the world, significantly enhancing the influence of Chinese culture. Throughout the course of cultural exchanges with the international community, we have the opportunity to champion China’s core values embodied in its vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, cementing confidence in the Chinese-style modernization, ultimately projecting a comprehensive, genuine, and multidimensional portrayal of China to the world.

The author is a specialist in radiology, Master of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong, and an adviser of Our Hong Kong Foundation.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.