Members of the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy Explore “World Religions in Chinese Culture” During Xi’an Trip
Members of the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy Explore "World Religions in Chinese Culture" During Xi’an Trip
18
Sep
18/09/2024
Prof. Jaroslaw Duraj of the the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy, along with students of Bachelor of Christian Studies, participated in a trip to Xi’an, China, that was organised to inspire the participants to reflect on the adaption of world religions to Chinese culture in Chinese history.
Before the end of the academic year 2023/2024, Prof. Jaroslaw Duraj of the the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy, along with students of Bachelor of Christian Studies Han Zaw Htun, Agostinho Mendonça, André Pereira and João Baptista Pereira, participated in a trip to Xi’an, China, sponsored by the Macau Foundation. The theme of the trip was World Religions in Chinese Culture, and the visit was organised to inspire the participants to reflect on the adaption of world religions to Chinese culture in Chinese history and to increase students’ knowledge of Chinese religion, culture, geography, history, and art. It also deepened the participants’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.
Upon their arrival in Xi’an on May 26, the group commenced their exploration with a visit to the Cathedral of Xi’an, which beautifully embodies a fusion of European and Chinese architectural elements.
The following day, the participants traveled to Lintong District to witness the iconic Terracotta Warriors, a historical marvel associated with the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This site provided deep insights into the cultural significance of ancient Chinese society. In the evening, the participants visited Da Ci’en Temple and its famous pagoda. The statue of Xuan Zang in the temple reminded the group how Chinese culture and Buddhism from India encountered in his efforts to translate the Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese.
On May 28, the group explored the Beiling Museum, home to the Xi’an Stelle , also known as Nestorian Stele, which commemorates Christianity in China and also a place where the emperor’s edict for the confidence of religion was carved on the cement stood there.
Apart from visiting the Beiling Museum, the USJ group went to Xi’an City Wall. The Xi’an City Wall is one of the oldest and most famous city walls in China. It is a significant historical and cultural landmark that has been well-preserved and restored to its original glory.
Participants also toured the Muslim Temple in Xi’an, also known as the Great Mosque of Xi’an, a significant cultural and historical landmark that showcases the blending of Chinese and Islamic cultures and serves as a symbol of cultural exchange and the Muslim community in Xi’an. The temple is not only an important Islamic landmark but also a popular tourist attraction in Xi’an, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and history of multiculturalism. Apart from visiting Muslim Temple, the group also visited Xi’an Drum Tower as well as Bell Tower.
The group returned to Macau on May 29, reflecting on their transformative experience.
Reflections from Participants:
Jaroslaw Duraj
Accompanying our students on the cultural and interreligious trip to Xi’an was a very enriching experience of deepening our familiarity with the ancient and contemporary cultural dimension of the city. Our common exploration of this ancient capital and its crucial role played in classical Silk Road context helped us to understand the importance of cultural exchanges, historical context and interreligious dimension of the place. Our visits to Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and Terracotta Army Museum as well as the visit to The Great Mosque of Xi’an, which is one of the largest premodern mosques in China was very inspiring and informative. Moreover, we could visit the Catholic Cathedral, Drum Tower, Bell Tower, a statue of the Buddhist monk Xuan Zang which stands before the Big Goose Pagoda at Great Ci’en Temple, as well as the Confucius Temple of the important Beilin Museum. The cultural program was very rich and intensive considering that we could spend there only two full days.
Han Zaw Htun
A four-day trip to the Chinese city of Xi’an was definitely a wonderful trip for us. Geographically located at the heart of China, the city shows historical significance. As it is said, “go to Xi’an and you will find a 3000-year-old China,” I have to say that it is true. The city’s historical uniqueness which offers religious and cultural diversity truly amazed me. As a student of the faculty of religious studies and philosophy, I would like to say it was a fruitful trip because we were able to enjoy the presence of different religions in harmony in such a historic city.
André Pereira
The trip to Xi’an was in a sense a discovery and sightseeing of great historical sites of China. Xi’an was historically the ancient capital of China where almost everything was centered and a great city through which the ancient commercial trade was practiced. Therefore to visit Xi’an is to go to a place from which the history of ancient society of China is demonstrated through its ancient architectural structure that still survives today. Interestingly, it was a great place to visit because as it is documented by the BBC some parts of Xi’an, are said to be ‘the greatest discovery of the 20th century.’ Furthermore, the visit was in a way a confirmation to some topics of the subject regarding the history of China. In short, it was a visit with a memorable experience and a rediscovery of what happened in the past as we continue to see what has been happening in China today.
Agostinho Mendonça
My trip to Xi’an, China, was a memorable experience that left me with a sense of amazement and gratitude. The wonder and richness of the city’s history were noticeable; for instance, the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an City Wall, etc. Moreover, the mixture of traditional and modern cultures is also another highlight of Xi’an. From ancient city walls, churches, and temples to modern shopping malls and restaurants, there was always something for everyone. As a foreigner, the challenge is the language because I cannot communicate with the locals in Chinese but the people are warm and welcoming; this can be sensed through the expressions on their faces and the way they try to communicate with us. Overall, this trip left me with an unforgettable memory and I am very grateful for this opportunity.
João Baptista Pereira
The trip to Xi’an is one of my unforgettable memories every I’ve. Xi’an is a very nice city full of historical context. It has many museums. And so on. We visited Xi’an Cathedral, Terracotta, Buddhist temple, Muslim mosque, etc. The experience helped me to understand more of the interaction between Chinese culture and world religions. The inclusiveness of Chinese culture also impressed me much.
