Culture needs more than preservation—it needs a new generation willing to understand it, practise it, and carry it forward. Through IAK “New Six Arts+”, young people build a shared cultural foundation while developing their own interests and strengths. Education is not the hurried shaping of a person, but the patient care of a seed, allowing it to grow towards the light according to its own nature. 文化不仅需要保存，更需要新一代去理解、实践与传承。IAK “新六艺+”帮助年轻人建立发展各自的兴趣与专长。教育不是急于塑造一个人，而是守护一颗种子，让它按照

Reflections on Nature, Civilization, and Culture July, 2026 北欧观察 · 挪威篇 关于自然、文明与文化的思考 The Journey North 一路向北 This summer, we travelled north from Switzerland through Norway, crossing fjords, forests, the Arctic Circle, and finally reaching the North Cape, the northernmost part of mainland Europe. It became more than a journey across landscapes—it was an opportunity to observe nature, society, and the ways in which civilization shapes everyday life. 今年夏天，我们从瑞士一路向北，穿越挪威的峡湾、森林与北极

What is a Shuyuan, and why does it still matter today? This opening essay in the IAK Digital Academy Series explores the enduring spirit of the traditional Chinese academy and introduces Shishuo (On Teachers) as a timeless guide to learning, self-cultivation, and lifelong education.

On a summer day in Bad Ragaz, Tour de Suisse and the Duanwu Festival unfolded side by side. One celebrated speed and endurance; the other embraced tea, guqin, and family traditions. Different rhythms, shared humanity.

The Analects · Chapter 02 · Wei Zheng On Leadership and Self-Cultivation What makes a person worthy of leading others? In Wei Zheng, Confucius offers a timeless answer: leadership begins with self-cultivation. True influence is earned through character, integrity, and a lifetime of inner growth.

The Analects · Chapter 01 · Xue Er On Learning and Personal Growth True learning is more than acquiring knowledge. It is the journey of self-cultivation, meaningful friendship, and inner peace. In the opening passage of The Analects, Confucius offers a timeless guide for living a meaningful life.

Inspired by the spirit of the ancient Orchid Pavilion Gathering, the first “Lanting Yaji” Chinese Calligraphy Cultural Event in Switzerland brought together calligraphy, guqin music, Gongfu tea, and Eastern aesthetics at the China Cultural Center in Bern. Through art, music, and cultural exchange, the gathering reflected the timeless elegance of Chinese literati culture and fostered meaningful dialogue between China and Switzerland.

As part of the International Tea Day cultural celebrations, the “Tea for Harmony – Yaji” gathering in Lucerne brought together tea, guqin music, and Eastern aesthetics in a meaningful intercultural dialogue. Through a lecture on qin studies, performances of Flowing Water and Fisherman Singing at Dusk, and moments of shared exchange, the event reflected the enduring spirit of friendship, cultural understanding, and the timeless resonance of Chinese literati culture across bord

The Guqin is not merely an instrument, but a way of self-cultivation. Its essence lies not in performance or competition, but in harmonizing sound, breath, movement, and the mind. Like Tai Chi, calligraphy, and painting, it belongs to a tradition of inner cultivation — a path toward stillness, clarity, and balance amid the noise of daily life.

April 22, 2026 Recently, a public lecture on skin cancer and breast cancer prevention was successfully held at the University of Liechtenstein. The initiative was planned and organized by Hanna Fischer, a Young Scholar of IAK Culture Association and a student majoring in Economics and Finance at the University of Liechtenstein, together with her fellow students Amina Islamovic and Elias Strauch. Their efforts reflect the growing engagement of young academics in promoting publ

When Qingming Festival meets Easter, two traditions of remembrance and renewal come together—offering a quiet reflection on life, loss, and continuing forward.

On the Lantern Festival, IAK reflects on light, return, and togetherness — exploring how culture, connection, and shared meaning endure across time.

On February 8 at Congress Center Hamburg (Saal 3), the IAK Germany Chapter was invited to attend a vibrant Lunar New Year Gala in Northern Germany. Over 20 Chinese associations and more than 300 performers came together to present an evening where tradition met modern expression — from Guzheng and Guqin to classical dance and contemporary performances. The event celebrated cultural richness, community unity, and meaningful exchange between China and Germany.

ISR and IAK once again celebrated the Lunar New Year through music, movement, and shared creation. Guqin met Vivaldi; more than one hundred students brought the Four Seasons to life — riding the wind, growing together.

Lichun, the Start of Spring, does not arrive with sudden warmth, but through subtle changes in light, time, and natural rhythm. This reflection explores how seasonal transitions can be observed and gently integrated into everyday life.

What truly resolves conflict is not greater force, but a higher level of inclusion. Eastern wisdom does not offer quick answers. It unfolds over time, seeking balance rather than victory, healing rather than suppression. Like a long-term remedy for civilization, it does not merely ease pain for the moment, but works quietly to restore inner order — within individuals, relationships, and the world we share.

Start of Winter (Lidong) marks the moment when nature turns inward, storing energy in stillness. As yang descends and yin gathers, the body, too, enters a phase of preservation. The Huangdi Neijing teaches: “Follow the seasons and illness is few; go against them and disorder arises.”

In Chongqing, IAK revisited its educational roots at SISU and explored six vibrant districts — closing the China chapter with reflection and gratitude before returning to the Rhine Valley. IAK文化之旅第四站重庆，回到四川外国语大学，探访山城六区，在感恩与思索中圆满收官，准备回归莱茵谷居，继续新的文化旅程。

The IAK delegation visited Beijing’s historic landmarks and joined the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Week — curating an exhibition where Swiss and Chinese living traditions intertwined.

IAK’s cultural journey reached Mount Qingcheng — meeting Venerable Zhang Mingxin, receiving her blessing of Qingcheng tea and prayer beads, and visiting Dujiangyan to witness the harmony of Dao.