International seminar at Peking University highlights contemporary value of edgar snow's spirit

Special Correspondent: Reflecting on the enduring significance of the renowned American journalist Edgar Snow's legacy and his contribution to promoting understanding between China and the rest of the world, the international seminar "The Contemporary Value of Edgar Snow's Spirit" was held on 8th July at Peking University in China.  This seminar brought together Chinese and international participants to revisit Edgar Snow's historic journey and discuss its relevance in the contemporary era. The event, jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Peking University and organized by the Xinhua Institute, concluded an extensive six-day research and study tour held from July 2 to 7 that retraced Snow's historic journey through Shaanxi Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Participants followed the path Edgar Snow took during his historic interviews in northern Shaanxi, gaining firsthand knowledge of the places that inspired his landmark work, Red Star Over China. The journey offered international delegates a deeper understanding of China's revolutionary history, its development path, and the values that continue to shape modern China. During the field program, the delegation visited several historic revolutionary sites across Shaanxi and Ningxia, including Yan'an and Zhidan County, where they explored museums, memorial halls, and former revolutionary headquarters associated with the Chinese Red Army. Participants also visited the former site of the Counter-Japanese Military and Political University, the Bao'an Revolution Site Memorial Museum, and memorials commemorating the Red Army's arrival in northern Shaanxi. Through guided tours and historical exhibitions, they learned about the hardships, determination, and ideals that characterized the revolutionary period. The program also included cultural and academic activities designed to deepen participants' understanding of China's revolutionary heritage. Delegates attended the themed sharing session "Retracing Snow's Route," where scholars and guests exchanged perspectives on Edgar Snow's reporting and its lasting influence on international perceptions of China. Participants also watched the immersive theatrical production "Thirteen Years in Yan'an," which vividly portrayed the revolutionary years and allowed visitors to experience history through modern storytelling. Beyond revolutionary history, the delegation explored China's achievements in ecological conservation and sustainable development. During visits to Zhongwei and other locations in Ningxia, participants learned about environmental protection efforts along the Yellow River, the achievements of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, and China's commitment to balancing ecological preservation with economic development. These visits demonstrated how the regions that once witnessed revolutionary struggles have transformed into examples of green development and rural revitalization. The group also visited Tongxin County, where they toured the Red Army Westward Expedition Memorial Hall and other important revolutionary sites. They participated in the Red Tongxin Forum, engaging in discussions with scholars and local representatives on the historical significance of the Long March, Edgar Snow's reporting, and the importance of preserving revolutionary heritage for future generations. These exchanges encouraged dialogue between Chinese and international participants on history, culture, and shared values. During the seminar, speakers emphasized that Edgar Snow's dedication to truth, objective journalism, and cross-cultural communication continues to inspire journalists, researchers, and young people around the world. They noted that his work helped introduce a more authentic picture of China to the international community and laid an important foundation for mutual understanding between China and other countries. International participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to retrace Edgar Snow's historic journey and experience China's revolutionary heritage firsthand. They said that visiting historical sites, engaging with scholars, and interacting with local communities enabled them to gain a more comprehensive understanding of China's history, development, and culture beyond what can be learned from books or media reports. Organizers said the program aims to strengthen international exchanges and deepen foreign friends' understanding of China through direct engagement with the country's history, culture, and development. By retracing Edgar Snow's footsteps and encouraging dialogue among scholars, journalists, and young people from different countries, the initiative seeks to carry forward the spirit of truth, friendship, and mutual respect that Edgar Snow embodied. Participants agreed that his legacy remains highly relevant today, serving as a bridge for people-to-people exchanges and contributing to greater international understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. The program brought together 200 representatives from the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, Snow's relatives, experts, scholars, and Generation Z youth who are from China, the USA, the UK, Bangladesh, Egypt, Armenia, and other countries.