Evan Kail explores "Jinling Tu": Nanjing's historical legacy passed down and continually renewed

Recently, Evan Kail, an American Tiktok influencer renowned for donating a World War II photo album and historical materials, visited the Deji Art Museum in Nanjing. After experiencing the widely acclaimed "Jinling Tu Digital Art Exhibition"—featured multiple times on CCTV—alongside other permanent exhibitions, he exclaimed, "This is a true cultural treasure!" 

Kail's first stop was "Jinling Tu", a masterpiece he described as "the most representative of Nanjing" and a highlight of his trip. Immersed in the vibrant urban scenes of Nanjing during the Song Dynasty, he marveled at the ten-meter-long ancient scroll, which depicts over 500 figures and countless daily life vignettes. "Jinling Tu" is a monumental work of art. Every detail, from the scroll itself to the seals and inscriptions by Emperors Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Xuantong, tells a story. Presenting such a heritage piece through technology is fascinating," he remarked.  

As a pioneering example of cultural heritage revitalization, the "Jinling Tu Digital Art Exhibition" employs a globally unique interactive format—an immersive "character integration and real-time interaction" mode—bringing history to life and sharing China's stories with the world. The exhibition has garnered extensive coverage on CCTV. Notably, it was invited to Paris for a touring exhibition during the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, attracting global audiences.  

"This is not just an exhibition but a profound exploration of history and a powerful testament to cultural confidence," Kail reflected, deeply moved by the thriving urban and cultural landscape of Song-era Nanjing. "As someone passionate about preserving history, this exhibition resonated with me profoundly. Here, I witnessed how Nanjing's cultural lineage is passed down and continually renewed. Everyone who visits will find an experience far beyond expectations."

"The prosperity of Jinling a millennium ago transcends time, mirroring Nanjing's vitality today," Kail added after his visit. "I also encountered masterpieces by renowned Eastern and Western artists and cutting-edge digital art. I highly recommend this museum. From Jinling to Nanjing, this is not just a city steeped in history but one brimming with energy."  

Kail's journey echoes a growing trend: from the viral China travels of American influencer IShowSpeed to Kail's explorations of Chinese culture and cuisine, global audiences are gaining unfiltered insights into China's traditions through social media. As China extends transit visa-free stays from 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, cultural exchange is accelerating. Bridging divides through modern technology and dialogue, an open, confident, and dynamic China is stepping into the global spotlight, one genuine conversation at a time.