On September 12, the China Cultural Center in The Hague was filled with distinguished guests as a vibrant art feast themed on the intangible cultural heritage of Jinshan Farmer Paintings officially opened. The Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Painting Exhibition and “Charming Shanghai” City Promotion Event showcased the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns and the diverse cultural vitality of Shanghai as an international metropolis through vivid colors and sincere brushstrokes.

The event was attended by Cultural Counsellor Yu Jian of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, Qiu Yunli, Executive Deputy District Mayor of Jinshan District, Shanghai, Ding Limin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Jiefang Daily, together with the Shanghai delegation. Nearly a hundred distinguished guests joined, including former Dutch Consul General in Shanghai, Chairman of the Netherlands-China Business Council, and Chairman of the EU-China Business Association Eric Sjaardema (Xia Xuheng), renowned Dutch artist and leader of the Concrete Art Movement Bob Bonies, ceramic artist Liesbeth Gieles, former Head of Photography at the Royal Academy of Art The Hague and renowned photographer Rob Noordendorp, as well as Bart Linck, Head of External Relations at the Mauritshuis Museum. Together, they witnessed a new chapter of Sino-Dutch cultural exchange.

In his speech, Counsellor Yu Jian emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands. He noted that Jinshan Farmer Paintings resonate with the works of Dutch master Vincent van Gogh, as both use heartfelt brushstrokes to depict rural life, reflecting the shared aesthetic appreciation of the two peoples. He highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation signed between China and the Netherlands in April has brought fresh momentum to bilateral cultural exchanges.

Qiu Yunli vividly shared the creation story of Jinshan Farmer Paintings. He explained that these works, painted by “farmers with hoes,” inherit the essence of Chinese folk art while integrating modern aesthetics, forming a “painted epic of Jiangnan life.” Through this “window of Jiangnan,” he hopes Dutch audiences will not only see the beauty of Jinshan’s countryside but also feel the unique urban charm of Shanghai—where tradition and modernity, East and West, meet in harmony.

Former Consul General Eric Sjaardema recalled his deep ties with Shanghai, where he was affectionately known as “the Dutch envoy on the Bund.” He remarked that Chinese traditional art embodies profound philosophy and wisdom about life. Jinshan Farmer Paintings, deeply rooted in daily life, faithful to tradition yet full of creativity, reflect the rich cultural heritage behind Shanghai’s modern metropolitan image and represent its most touching source of charm. He expressed his belief that cultural and artistic exchanges foster mutual understanding and respect and looked forward to furthering Sino-Dutch cooperation in various fields.

Ceramic artist Liesbeth Gieles discussed the significance of cross-cultural inspiration in artistic creation. Referring to her own koi sculptures symbolizing Dutch water towns, she drew parallels with the Jiangnan imagery in Jinshan Farmer Paintings, showing the shared cultural reflection on “water and life.” She admired the bold compositions of Jinshan Farmer Paintings that break with traditional perspective and focus on the harmony between people and nature, calling them a vivid embodiment of the contemporary vitality of intangible cultural heritage.

At the exhibition, Jinshan artist Qiu Jianguo presented a specially created painting to Dutch guests. Visitors eagerly admired the works, whose bright colors and full compositions depicted the seasonal cycles and folk traditions of Jiangnan, immersing the audience in the poetic atmosphere of an oriental water town. Meanwhile, the newly installed large LED screen at the China Cultural Center dynamically displayed the vibrant colors of Jinshan Farmer Paintings, injecting modern vitality into traditional art and drawing much attention.

The event was hosted by Wang Zheng, Director of the China Cultural Center in The Hague. He noted that the exhibition not only highlights the unique charm of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage but also builds a bridge of mutual understanding between the peoples of China and the Netherlands, where different civilizations inspire each other through dialogue.

The exhibition will run for one week, offering Dutch audiences a cultural window through Jinshan Farmer Paintings to experience Shanghai’s unique image—where traditional grace meets modern dynamism—adding a new chapter to Sino-Dutch cultural exchange.