CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- "Absolutely stunning! The ancient White Crane Ridge (Baiheliang) inscriptions, which have been submerged for over a thousand years, are now so vividly displayed right before our eyes!" On November 26, the “Global Commitments: Mutual Learning of Civilizations” international cultural exchange event took place in Fuling and Nanchuan districts, offering a fascinating tour of the Underwater Museum of White Crane Ridge and the Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation.

At the Underwater Museum of White Crane Ridge, cutting-edge technologies such as water circulation systems and aviation-grade glass observation windows brought the ancient White Crane Ridge inscriptions, which had been submerged for over a millennium, back to life, leaving the international guests in awe.

The Underwater Museum of White Crane Ridge, located on the banks of the Yangtze River in Fuling, was named after the white cranes often seen during the dry season. It serves as a cultural center for heritage preservation, research, public outreach, and education. UNESCO has praised it as the world’s first underwater site museum accessible without diving.

During their visit, international guests descended about 40 meters into the water via an elevator. From there, through observation windows, they could see the inscriptions on White Crane Ridge. These inscriptions, which include 165 text carvings and 18 stone fish, document the water levels over 72 years of low-water periods and provide invaluable data for studying the Yangtze River’s hydrology and ancient climate changes. One of the most prized artifacts is a carving by the renowned Song Dynasty calligrapher Huang Tingjian, which reads "At some point in a particular year, an old man from Fuling came to the poet", regarded as a national treasure.

"I am truly honored to witness such a rare and precious cultural heritage," said one guest during the tour. Many international guests expressed their admiration for the high-tech preservation techniques used at the museum, which allowed them to experience the power of modern technology in safeguarding ancient history.

That afternoon, the guests traveled to the Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation in Nanchuan. The experience at the Herbal Cuisine Center on the first floor captivated them with its immersive exploration of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, they not only watched the preparation of medicinal dishes but also sampled a variety of herbal snacks and traditional Chinese medicinal drinks, embarking on a unique cultural journey through Chinese medicine.

This hands-on experience allowed the guests to gain a deep appreciation for the charm of traditional Chinese medicine and opened a window into China’s ancient wisdom on health and wellness. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)