Matthew Hu (Hu Xinyu) will take a closer look at both the history of heritage preservation in China and today’s changing awareness of cultural heritage, as the conversation on preserving cultural integrity takes a new and forward-thinking direction.

Thursday, March 12, 7:30pm
“Reclaiming China’s Past: Building a Better Future with Cultural Heritage Preservation”
Matthew Hu, Co-Founder, The Courtyard Institute
Beijing International Society
Embassy of Lebanon | 60 RMB; 30 RMB for students | Foreign Passport Holders Only | Off-the-record | Registration

China’s urban development has brought destruction to its traditional neighborhoods and to the inherent cultural fabric of many communities. Has the preservation of China’s cultural identity been neglected? Can Beijing’s cultural authenticity be reclaimed? How can heritage preservation serve as a new form of soft power for the country?

Matthew Hu (Hu Xinyu) will take a closer look at both the history of heritage preservation in China and today’s changing awareness of cultural heritage, as the conversation on preserving cultural integrity takes a new and forward-thinking direction.

Matthew Hu served for five years at the Prince’s Charities Foundation (China), and is currently the China Representative for its sister charity, the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (PSTA). He is also a co-founder of The Courtyard Institute, which aims at increasing the visibility of traditional culture education, as well as exploring a new methodology for alternative education. From July 2006 to March 2009, Matthew worked as the Managing Director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP). Matthew is a graduate of the Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute with a B.A. in English literature; he also pursues the study of Chinese history and religion.

Event information provided courtesy of Legation Quarter.