Chinese “Square & Round”, a Sensation in Chaumont, France

On May 2, 2013, the International Creative Garden Festival was kicked off in Chaumont, France on the Loire River. The “Square & Round,” a garden designed by Chinese architect Yu Kongjian, a professor from Peking University, was unveiled with much ceremony, and would be permanently kept as a masterpiece.

 

Present at the opening ceremony that day were the president of the region as well as the president of the department, where Chaumont is located, mayor of Chaumont, political counselor of Chinese Embassy in France Mr. Zhu Jing and more than 200 prestigious artists from all over France. Professor Kong was also invited as an honored guest to the opening ceremony.

 

After the ceremony, “Square & Round” was ushered in to all the governmental officials and distinguished guests. The unique conception of design and the contemporary Chinese style were much admired by the hosts and guests as well, and extensively covered by the local media. It is reported that about two dozens of works had been selected for the festival from nearly 300 projects this year; most of them would be dismantled and removed after the exhibition. However, the “Square & Round,” the only Chinese garden specially invited to the event as the work of a well-known master, will be permanently kept.