The Opening Ceremony of the "Central Axis Seal" held in Fuzhou

On May 25, 2025, the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation and the Fujian Yanhuang Cultural Research Association held the Opening Ceremony of the "Central Axis Seal" at the China Shoushan Stone Museum.

The "Central Axis Seal" project integrates the solemnity of the Beijing Central Axis with the auspicious symbolism of Shoushan stone culture through the art of seal carving. This initiative adheres to General Secretary of CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's significant guidance on promoting the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism industries, thereby injecting new vitality into the sector and exploring new pathways for the integration of culture and industry.

Liu Weize, Vice President of the Fujian Yanhuang Cultural Research Association and Executive Vice Dean of the "Fu" (Blessing) Culture Research Institute, delivered a speech at the event, stating that Fujian boasts a profound cultural heritage of "Fu" (blessing) culture, with Shoushan stone culture serving as an important cultural emblem of the province. The "Central Axis Seal" project transcends regional cultural boundaries, creating opportunities for "Fu" (blessing) culture to reach national and global audiences. Liu noted that the project is expected to serve as an ambassador for cultural dissemination, showcasing the charm of China's outstanding traditional culture.

Yu Ping, a member of the Beijing Academy of Culture and History, Chair of the Grand Canal Special Committee under the China Cultural Relics Society, and former Deputy Director of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Bureau, pointed out that the opening ceremony enriched the cultural connotations of the Beijing Central Axis and represents an innovative practice in the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage.

Luo Pengpeng, former President of the Seal Carving Institute of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, emphasized the cultural significance of the "Central Axis Seal." "This project unites Shoushan stone -- nature's gift of infinite beauty -- with humanity's spiritual realm, cultural essence, and philosophical depth," she stated. "It represents an artistic embodiment of the concept of 'harmony between heaven and humanity,' creating an enduring masterpiece that symbolically merges the Beijing Central Axis with Shoushan stone, symbolizing the eternal preservation of culture."

Zheng Youlin, a renowned master carver and a representative of the creative team behind the "Central Axis Seal," introduced the artwork, explaining that it uses Shoushan stone as its medium and integrates iconic architectural elements from 15 heritage sites along the Beijing Central Axis with traditional seal carving techniques -- achieving a harmonious blend of profound history and vibrant artistry.

During the event, Lin Fang, Deputy Director of the Central Axis Seal Special Fund under the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation and founder of Fujian Yiheng Tea Cultural Technology Co., Ltd., announced an open call for the "Hundred Blessings" campaign to collaboratively develop new chapters of "Fu" culture. Meanwhile, the Beijing Central Axis Protection Foundation signed a donation agreement with Jipinxuan (Fujian) Operation and Management Co., Ltd. to provide support for the initiative.

The Opening Ceremony of the "Central Axis Seal" not only served as a cultural celebration, but also infused new vitality into the preservation and advancement of China's exceptional traditional culture. By enabling public appreciation of regional cultural integration, the initiative has propelled high-quality growth in cultural tourism while achieving breakthroughs in balancing heritage conservation with industrial development -- ultimately establishing culture as a fundamental enhancer of public well-being. Multiple media outlets, including CCTV, Fujian TV, Fujian Daily, Fuzhou Daily, Fuzhou Evening News, Fuzhou TV, and Tea Culture Magazine, covered the event.