French people visit Museum of Foochow Arsenal 1866. [Photo/WeChat ID: fjczwx]

The opening ceremony of the Fujian Shipbuilding Culture Exhibition was held in Paris, capital of France, on July 1. Many important guests attended the event, including Viénet, a French scholar of modern Chinese history.

The shipbuilding culture contains the spirit of patriotism, science, innovation and striving.

The establishment of the Fuzhou Shipping School reflects China's journey towards self-improvement and marks the beginning of cultural exchanges between China and France, fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

Over a century ago, the Fuzhou Shipping Bureau facilitated cultural exchanges between China and France, fostering friendly interactions. The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties, and Fujian aims to deepen research on shipbuilding culture, enhance communication with French localities, and expand bilateral interactions in economy, trade, tourism, and education with an inclusive approach.

Established in 1866 in Mawei, Fuzhou, the Fuzhou Shipping Bureau was China's first institution dedicated to modernizing maritime defense. Collaborating with French figures like Prosper Giquel, the bureau established the Fuzhou Shipping School, China's first French-style university, where French teachers were hired to teach in the French language.