On December 10, Professor Pier Francesco Fumagalli, a renowned Italian sinologist, former deputy director of the Ambrosio Library in Milan, and author of Estetica, Scienza e Fede (Aesthetics, Science, and Faith), visited the International Campus of Zhejiang University, invited by ZIBS and the Zhejiang University Italian Alumni Association. As the speaker of the ZIBS China Studies Lecture Series and the 5th session of the Laitong Talk, he delivered a fascinating lecture on Marco Polo and Sino-Italian Cultural Exchange.
This year marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's passing. In his lecture, Pier Francesco Fumagalli traced Marco Polo's life, from his merchant family in Venice to his journey along the Silk Road and his eventual 17-year stay at the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor who ruled China during the Yuan Dynasty. He pointed out that Marco Polo's travels greatly enhanced Europe's understanding of Asian geography, as his comprehensive descriptions of Chinese cities, trade routes, and natural features were reflected in famous maps. For instance, Il Milione (The Travels of Marco Polo), an important historical record, became one of the first widely popular travel works in Europe, combining realistic observations with stories, and serving as an inspiration to subsequent explorers, including Christopher Columbus.
Pier Francesco Fumagalli emphasized the significance of Marco Polo as a cultural bridge and an enduring legacy of inspiration for generations. Marco Polo's travel journals documented the customs and traditions of Chinese society at that time, opening the door for the Western world's understanding of Eastern civilization. They have had a profound impact not only on the world of his time but also on the present day, serving as a bond that brings Sino-Italian and even Sino-Western cultures closer together.
Students were very enthusiastic in the Q&A session, which covered topics such as Marco Polo's life, the role of language in cultural exchange, the origin of the Gothic script used for writing the Latin text, and more. Pier Francesco Fumagalli addressed each question with detailed explanations.
The lecture left a profound impression on many students in attendance. In the internationalized atmosphere of the International Campus, the importance of cross-cultural exchange and cooperation is self-evident. Understanding and respecting each other's languages and cultures, establishing an inclusive cultural mindset, and mastering necessary cross-cultural communication skills can better help students build a civilized society where beauty is shared and the world is unified (美美与共，天下大同).
This lecture was moderated by Professor FANG Fan from School of Intrnational Studies. At the end of the lecture, LI Xuping, Deputy Director of the Institute of China Studies (ICS), presented Pier Francesco Fumagalli with souvenirs from ZIBS and Laitong College, while Sofia Scaggiante, an Italian student from ZIBS Master of China Studies (MCS) program, presented him with flowers.
This year marks not only the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's passing but also the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy. In November, XI Jinping held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who was on a state visit to China, and emphasized that the two sides should support language teaching and youth exchanges, and work together to cultivate more Marco Polos in the new era.
ZIBS has consistently maintained close international educational cooperation with several Italian universities, including the University of Turin and Politecnico di Milano. This cooperation includes the Master of China Studies dual degree program with the University of Turin, the LEAP Global Summer Program, the China Management and Business Program (CMBP), and a series of visiting programs. In 2023, Dean BEN Shenglin was appointed as the only Asian member of the International Advisory Board of Politecnico di Milano School of Management, and both sides have expanded the scope of their existing cooperation through multiple mutual visits.
In the future, ZIBS will further strengthen partnerships with Italian institutions, promote youth exchanges, and nurturing international talent with a deep understanding of China and befriend China. We will also continue to build the Study in China brand and contribute to telling China's story well.
