On the banks of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou stands a thousand-year-old temple that seems to glow—Xiangji Temple. It is not only the only temple in China dedicated to the “God of Food,” but also a palace of bronze casting art.
On April 24th, former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and his delegation visited the temple. Accompanied by Zhu Bingren, a master of Chinese arts and crafts and a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of bronze sculpture, they were amazed by the magnificent golden splendor of the bronze palace.
That same day, at a sub-forum of the 9th All Things Grow Conference, Zhu Bingren presented Raffarin with his molten bronze work, “Burning Sunflower.” This masterpiece, blending Eastern and Western art, serves as a vivid microcosm of Sino-French cultural exchange.
As Zhu Bingren said, “Bronze is solidified history; its cultural vitality lies in taking root in the contemporary world.” Only by allowing traditional techniques to “take root” in modern soil can they unleash new vitality.
From Ancient Copper Temples to Everyday Aesthetics
Intangible Cultural Heritage Finds New Growth Through Cross-Industry Collaboration
On May 1st, the Jiangnan Copper House, located on Hefang Street in Hangzhou, celebrated two “growth ceremonies”—the official opening of Hangzhou’s first artist-named “Zhu Bingren Art Post Office” and the nation’s first copper art and cultural creative zone within the “China Numismatic Museum.”
As a “copper art calling card” for Hangzhou’s cultural tourism, the opening of these two zones at the Jiangnan Copper House can be seen as a “two-way journey between intangible cultural heritage and everyday life.”
On the left is the “copper art museum that writes letters”—the “Zhu Bingren Art Post Office.” Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the eye-catching “lucky koi” mailbox, retro postbox, and copper counter, instantly transporting visitors back to the artistic and literary era of letter writing.
Here, China Philately and “Zhu Bingren Copper” jointly launch their new products: “Fortune and Prosperity,” “Deer Post Gift,” and “Top Posters.” Zhu Bingren’s commemorative zodiac stamp albums, designed for seven consecutive years, are full of quality. Other postal cultural and creative products include retro “28” bicycle ornaments and postal delivery car USB drives—each piece is practical and highly collectible, bringing home a true “postal memory”!
To the right is the “Talking Coin Museum”—the copper art and cultural creative area of the “China Coin Museum.” Adorned in “coin red,” the exhibition area transforms the historical significance of classic coin collections into tangible copper art and cultural creative products, allowing the wisdom of ancient currency to “travel through time” and illuminate modern life.
The “Money Key Arrives Home” copper pendant symbolizes “opening the door to wealth and wisdom,” adding a touch of elegance and good fortune to any bag. The “Golden Basin Gathering Treasure” series of copper treasure basins combines storage and decoration, instantly elevating the style of any home. And then there are the recently viral copper cultural and creative products like the “Great Victory Brush” and the “Investiture of the Gods Brush,” which allow children to easily acquire knowledge about coins and traditional culture in everyday life, truly achieving edutainment.
New Easter Eggs “Growing” in the Copper House
Don’t Miss These Hidden Activities This May Day
This May Day, the Jiangnan Copper House has prepared a super exciting “dialogue between tradition and modernity”!
Send a postcard covered in copper stamps from the retro post office, letting the charm of Hangzhou flow between the lines;
Take a snapshot at the “Chosen Koi” mailbox, mimicking the act of delivering a letter, or touch the koi fish – a truly memorable and ceremonial photo opportunity;
Pick up a set like “Top Postal Names” or “Money and Keys Delivered” in the cultural and creative area, making millennia-old traditional wisdom a constant companion;
Or continue exploring this copper art palace, which used 180 tons of copper, to admire the original copper plaque of Leifeng Pagoda up close and immerse yourself in the charm of Zhu Bingren’s copper melting art exhibition;
You can also step into the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Copper Classroom,” learn “copper rubbing” from artisans, and create your own unique copper art souvenir – a truly rewarding experience!
During the May Day holiday, come to the Jiangnan Copper House – let the warmth of copper art flow through your fingertips, and let the sparks of tradition “grow” in the contemporary world. This time, you’re not just a cultural observer, but a participant in the growth of intangible cultural heritage!
Address: Jiangnan Copper House, No. 207 Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00 (Free Admission)
