Qingpu Day Highlights Shanghai Youth Cultural Exchange Event in Milan

An international youth art competition opened in Milan on Sunday, using traditional Chinese ink painting to connect young artists in China and Europe.

The 10th Youth International Ink Art Competition was part of the Qingpu Day at the "Shanghai in My Mind 2026" spring pop-up events.

A 36-metre ink scroll titled "Love and Peace · Global Dialogue" also took shape.

Inspired by the 36 ancient bridges of Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town in Shanghai's Qingpu District, the scroll symbolises connection, friendship and peace.

It is being created in relay by young artists from Milan, Shanghai and London, and features landmarks, plants and cultural symbols chosen by the children.

The completed artwork will be permanently preserved with the names of all participants. In August, it is due to begin an international tour alongside this year's winning entries, with stops including London, Paris and Milan.

The 2026 Zhujiajiao International Art Season also opened on Sunday.

Blending 6,000 years of civilization with contemporary global design, Qingpu presented its cultural heritage and outward-looking vision to international audiences during Milan Design Week.

The Qingpu-themed showcase offered an immersive multi-sensory experience.

Displays included relics from the Songze archeological site, such as human-shaped pottery vessels and black pottery jars.

Visitors also experienced soundscapes inspired by oars on the Caogang River, the waves of Dianshan Lake and traditional folk songs, as well as the aroma of "Grandma's Tea," an item of intangible cultural heritage from Qingpu's rural communities.

The event also featured the "Spring Shanghai" kiosk, an art installation designed by Italian architect and spatial artist Edoardo Nieri.