On February 3rd, delegates from multiple APEC member economies visited Guangzhou's Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yongqing Fang, and other cultural landmarks. Amid grey‑brick walls and displays of intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship, the guests experienced the profound charm of Lingnan culture, together composing a vivid picture of beauty in diversity through cultural exchange.

In the courtyard of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, steeped in traditional charm, the scent of ink lingered in the air. Nancy Redmond Irwin, president of Nuraterra, was deeply captivated by the live demonstration of Chinese calligraphy. Under the guidance of a calligraphy teacher, she carefully practiced each stroke with full attention. Smiling, she told reporters that her daughter had always loved Chinese art, especially calligraphy. "I came here planning to pick out a few brushes for her," she said, "but she'll definitely envy me, because I got to experience it first today."

It was Nancy's first time in China, and she was thrilled to engage so closely with calligraphy and actually write Chinese characters herself. "I've always been fond of China. To see and touch these cultural treasures in person is truly amazing," she said. The year 2026 marks both the Year of the Horse and China's APEC Host Year. At the end of her visit, Nancy carefully kept a piece of calligraphy bearing the Chinese character "Horse" and the acronym "APEC" as a precious memento of her trip.

Sannie Chong, Senior Director of MSD Global Regulatory Policy, said she saw a connection between Guangzhou's history and its modern vitality. "Behind this city are many stories linking its people, places, and evolution—it's really impressive," she said. She was especially struck by the openness reflected in Chinese culture. "Being open-minded, sincere, and communicative are invaluable qualities," she noted. "These principles are worth integrating into APEC cooperation to help ensure a steadier and more far-reaching future."

For Siriphon Kusonsinwut, Deputy Secretary‑General of Thailand's Personal Data Protection Committee, the Guangzhou visit carried a sense of kinship. "My ancestral home is near Shantou and my great-grandparents moved to Thailand from there," he said. In his view, Guangzhou offers not only unforgettable cuisine but also deep cultural roots preserved in its museums and ancestral halls, enabling people to live in harmony and pass on traditions from generation to generation. "Through sharing and exchanging different cultures, APEC members can coexist more harmoniously, learn from one another, share opportunities, and move forward together," Siriphon said.

岭南文化，美美与共！APEC参会代表走进广州陈家祠、永庆坊

2月3日，来穗参加APEC会议的多国代表走进广州陈家祠、永庆坊等地，在青砖灰瓦与非遗技艺中，近距离感受岭南文化的深厚底蕴，共同绘就一幅“美美与共”的文明交流画卷。

陈家祠古色古香的庭院里墨香萦绕。Nuraterra公司总裁Nancy Redmond Irwin被现场书写的中国书法深深吸引，在书法老师的指导下，一笔一画认真临摹。她笑着告诉记者，女儿一直十分喜爱中国艺术，尤其对书法情有独钟，“这次我特地想给她挑几支毛笔，不过她肯定要羡慕我了，因为今天是我先体验。”

这是Nancy第一次来到中国。能够如此近距离接触书法艺术、亲手书写汉字，让她格外兴奋。“我一直很喜欢中国，亲眼看到、亲手触摸这些文化瑰宝，真的太惊艳了。”她说。2026年既是马年，也是APEC年。参观结束时，Nancy特地将一幅写有“马”字和“APEC”字样的书法作品小心收好，作为此行的珍贵纪念。

全球监管政策高级总监Sannie Chong则从广州的城市气质中，读到了历史与当下的连接。“这座城市背后有很多故事，把这里的人、不同的地方以及城市的变迁串联在一起，真的很了不起。”在参访过程中，她对中国文化中“开放”的内涵印象尤深，“敞开胸怀、坦诚相待、相互沟通，这些理念非常宝贵，也值得融入APEC的合作中，让未来走得更稳、更远。”

对泰国个人数据保护委员会副秘书长Siriphon Kusonsinwut而言，这趟广州之行还多了一份血脉相连的亲切感。“我的祖籍就在汕头附近，太奶奶和太爷爷当年从那里去了泰国。”在他看来，广州不仅有令人难忘的美食，更有博物馆和宗祠所承载的文化根脉，让人们得以安居乐业、代代相传。“通过分享和交流不同的文化，APEC成员可以更加和谐地共处，彼此学习、共享机遇，一起向前。”Siriphon说。

文 | 记者 刘泳希
视频 | 记者 刘泳希 黎杰文 赵鹏
译丨钟佳
英文审校丨肖凯欣