Global artists take a photo in Longquan, a county-level city in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Longquan hosted the fourth "Longquan Exchange, Global Creation" event from April 22 to 24, gathering over 50 international artists from Russia, Australia, Germany, and beyond.

Through field trips, craft observation, and creative dialogue, the program aimed to boost the global profile of Longquan's celadon and sword heritage.

The artists visited traditional villages like Xitou and Baiyun, exploring ancient dragon kilns and experiencing ecological beauty and historical charm. Zheniya, a Russian tie-dye artist, found the lush natural surroundings deeply inspiring and expressed hope for a future residency to study the Eastern concept of harmony with nature.

At celadon studios, the participants observed the handcrafting process and learned about distinctive glazes and crackle patterns, whose jade-like texture, mirror-like brightness, and resonant quality challenged their assumptions.

Australian ceramic artist Bernard, with over 50 years' experience, described the visit as a reunion with Eastern aesthetics that transformed his view. He plans to adopt Longquan glazes and techniques. A German matte ceramics artist found that blending tradition and modernity answered his long-held creative puzzles.

The artists also experienced sword culture, trying their hands at forging and admiring the millennia-old tradition. A Russian sculptor said it opened up new directions for her work.

Russian sculptor Svetlana K Liee tries her hand at forging a sword. [Photo/Tide News]

Exhibitions and a dinner fostered exchanges and partnerships. Feng Jun, chairman of Longquan Wang'ou Cultural Development, said that such activities bridge cultural gaps, bring people closer through culture, and help Longquan's stories be seen, understood, and appreciated by more global audiences.