
WEST MEETS EAST - ANCIENT MEETS MODERN
WEST TRIFFT OST - ANTIKES TRIFFT MODERNES
观古今之通变 - 述中西之精要
Our Story
In the digital age, cultural heritage should not remain bound to memory alone, but continue its dialogue—between East and West, ancient and modern—through every single click.
For more than twenty years, we have continuously hosted gatherings and activities of international cultural communities: beginning in 2002 in Shanghai, where tea, music, and friendship set the tone of exchange; from 2012 in Hamburg, Germany, where the harbor breeze and the resonance of music nurtured a vibrant and diverse international community; and since 2017 in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, where the mountain air sustains weekly and monthly meetings, fostering enduring cultural dialogue.
In 2022, these connections formally took root in Switzerland with the founding of the IAK Culture Association. Yet in truth, whether in China, Germany, or Switzerland, our friendships with people worldwide have never ceased—the cultural network has always remained alive.
The IAK website and app are personally envisioned and crafted with devotion.
They are more than digital platforms—they are a living bridge, where ancient and modern, East and West, meet once more.
Through this bridge, every friend approaching IAK can, at a single touch, feel the timeless warmth of culture.
Our association is entirely run by dedicated volunteers, whose devotion brings our mission of cultural dialogue and exchange to life.

Our Location / Headquarter
At the Heart of Europe · A Starting Point for Dialogue
The IAK Culture Association is headquartered in Bad Ragaz, in Switzerland’s canton of St. Gallen, between the Rhine Valley and the shores of Lake Walensee. Here, Alpine peaks reflect in the lake, healing springs flow, and centuries of culture converge. The Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a symbol of Europe’s intellectual and spiritual traditions, while Ragaz itself is renowned for wellness, its international character, and the high quality of Swiss life.
In this meeting place of nature and culture, IAK is rooted locally yet oriented globally:
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From Bad Ragaz, we open our arms to both Eastern and Western traditions;
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At the crossroads of past and present, we build a platform for international dialogue;
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Grounded in Switzerland, we connect Asia, Europe, and the wider world, weaving a cultural network for the future.
Why the Name IAK?
IAK stands for “Interessensgemeinschaft Asiatische Kultur” — the Association for the Appreciation of Asian Culture.
Asia has nurtured the world’s richest and most profound cultural and spiritual traditions. It is the shared cradle of human civilization—Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all originated on this land. From the Yellow River to the Ganges, from the Silk Road to the Middle East, Asia carries deep and diverse cultural wisdom.
We believe: Asian culture is not only for Asia—it is a shared spiritual legacy for all of humanity. IAK presents it with respect, inclusion, and a modern touch.

Our Mission & Values
Returning to the origins of culture, embracing wisdom across time, and integrating knowledge from East and West.
At IAK, we believe that health, happiness, and culture are inseparable.
Our mission is to protect cultural heritage while fostering communication and understanding between different communities.
We offer a range of activities and resources, bringing together the passion and dedication of our volunteers, ensuring that cultural exchange between past and present, East and West, continues to flourish here.
We learn together to enrich our mind.
We take donation of any books from all over the world.
You can get access to many classical and modern books from all over the world.

We improve together.
We are hosting annual International forums.
We only have one home, by working together, we can make a difference.

We grow together.
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Culture exchange programs
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Art exhibition
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Musical concert
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Publishing books

We live a healthy and happy life together.
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Health Retreat Center
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Life Style coaching
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Emotion Management
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Breathing exercise
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Food choices

We conduct volunteer work, in order to benefit our society in which we reside.
This may include to support individuals, who require our assistance and support to handle their daily life.

Compassion.
We support and assist with volunteering to support our local community.

Milestones
2002 — First international cultural gathering in Shanghai
2012 — Moved to Hamburg, hosting cultural salons and community celebrations
2017 — Settled in Bad Ragaz, expanding the international network
2022 — Official founding of the IAK Culture Association Switzerland
Our Pillars
Culture — Connecting ideas and traditions across time and continents
Arts — Gathering through music, poetry, and the beauty of heritage
Wellness — Integrating ancient breathing practices with modern science
Community — Building friendships that cross borders
At a Glance
20+ years of cultural gatherings and events
Friends from 30+ countries
12 annual cultural and wellness programs
Partnerships with 6 international cultural and wellness organisations














