Yunnan Plateau Lakes Ecological Conservation Achievements Exhibition Opens in Bangkok

It learned from Dali University on November 26 that an exhibition titled “Drinking from the Same River, Sharing Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains,” held to mark the 50th Anniversary of China-Thailand Diplomatic Relations and the 20th anniversary of the “Two Mountains” concept, runs from November 24 to 29 at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

The event is guided by the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand and the Thai Confucius Institute (Classroom) Development Alliance, co-organized by the Maritime Silk Road–Phranakhon Rajabhat University (PNRU) Confucius Institute and the Research and Development Institute of PNRU, and supported by the China Cultural Center in Bangkok. Notably, the Maritime Silk Road–PNRU Confucius Institute was jointly established by Dali University and PNRU.

Running for five days, the exhibition features six thematic zones. The Plateau Lakes Governance Zone showcases systemic watershed management practices through the case study of Erhai Lake, complemented by interactive waste-sorting activities. The Ecological Wisdom Heritage Zone highlights intangible cultural heritage crafts such as Bai ethnic tie-dyeing and “Jia Ma” woodblock printing, demonstrating the integration of traditional ecological wisdom with modern innovation. The Thailand “One Tambon One Product” (OTOP) Eco Tie-Dyeing Showcase presents local Thai ecological knowledge and fosters a platform for green development exchange. The Green Development Demonstration Zone vividly illustrates full industrial chains of Yunnan’s green industries, including eco-friendly dairy production. The Youth Ecological Art Exhibition conveys the environmental concerns of the younger generation through original paintings. The “Chinese Language + Ecology” Interactive Zone creatively combines language learning with ecological education through engaging experiential activities, offering a multifaceted perspective on building an ecological civilization.

Li Tao, Party Secretary of Dali University, delivered a video address at the opening. He emphasized that Dali University has consistently aligned its academic strengths with its ecological mission, leveraging smart technologies to support the conservation of Erhai Lake. The “Erhai Case” featured in the exhibition exemplifies the principle of “protecting the ecological environment as we protect our eyes.” He expressed hope that this event would serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration with Thai institutions to advance the “Chinese + Ecology” educational model—through joint curriculum development and shared practical experiences—to cultivate interdisciplinary talents equipped with both ecological literacy and intercultural competence, thereby contributing to the power of higher education to regional sustainable development.

Preang Kitratporn, President of PNRU, delivered remarks. Kitratporn noted that the Maritime Silk Road–PNRU Confucius Institute, co-established with Dali University, has pioneered innovative pathways in the “Chinese + Education” model. Looking ahead, the institute will continue using the Chinese language as a bridge to promote the integrated development of education and ecology.

Hu Ying, Chinese Director of the Maritime Silk Road–PNRU Confucius Institute, stated that this exhibition marks the first concrete implementation of the institute’s “Chinese + Ecology” strategic plan. She affirmed the institute’s commitment to building a distinctive brand in this field and deepening practical cooperation between China and Thailand in language and culture, ecological civilization, and sustainable development.