A joint calligraphy event featuring 75 participants from China and Pakistan concluded during the Silk Road Cultural Festival in Islamabad. The activity brought together representatives from both countries to create a 7.5-metre-long scroll marking the 75-year journey of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
The event centred on Lanting Xu, also known as the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion, a celebrated work of Chinese calligraphy. Participants included 40 Chinese and 35 Pakistani representatives, who jointly copied classical calligraphy models onto one continuous scroll.
Chinese Calligraphy Connects Two Cultures
Lanting Xu was created by Wang Xizhi during the Eastern Jin Dynasty in 353 AD. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese running-script calligraphy, it is admired for its flowing brushwork and reflections on life, time and human connection.
Through the activity, participants explored traditional Chinese calligraphy and the artistic and philosophical values reflected in Chinese written characters.
The event attracted people from diverse professional backgrounds, including industrial artisans, construction workers, agricultural practitioners, cultural scholars, scientific researchers, university faculty and students, business leaders and artists.
Completed Scroll Goes on Public Display
The calligraphy activity took place alongside a Silk Road painting and calligraphy exhibition, which also featured photographs highlighting the history and legacy of the ancient trade routes.
After the event, the completed 7.5-metre scroll went on public display at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) gallery in Islamabad for a month-long exhibition.
The display offers visitors an opportunity to experience the collaborative artwork and learn more about Chinese calligraphy and cultural traditions.
Silk Road Festival Promotes Cultural Cooperation
The event formed part of the second International Silk Road Festival 2026, held at PNCA in Islamabad on October 24 and 25. The festival brought together diplomats, tourism officials and business representatives to promote cultural exchange and regional connectivity.
Organised by Silk Road Enterprises in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, the festival seeks to draw on the historic Silk Road as a model for contemporary cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.
The joint calligraphy project highlighted how traditional art can create opportunities for dialogue and strengthen cultural connections between China and Pakistan as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
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