www.people.com.cn, London October 3 (Reporter: Li Wenyun) The Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition of Harmonious Co-existence - Sharing Taoist Culture was held at Asia House in London on the evening of October 3.

      Being a part of the series of external exchanges of the Chinese Taoist culture, this exhibition is composed of Taoist photos, Taoist objects and videos. The more than 100 photos selected for the exhibition have been divided into 8 sections (immortal gods, Elysium, Taoist heritage, Taoist life, vital energy cultivation, Taoist rites, encouraging kindness and Taoist wisdom). Illustrated by Taoist clothes, musical instruments in Taoist mass, painting and calligraphy, the exhibition revealed to the British people the profound connotations of China’s Taoist culture and the religious life of modern Taoists.

      President Ren Farong of the Chinese Taoist Association said in his speech at the Opening Ceremony that this exhibition is rich in content under the theme of “cultural integration, religious harmony and human peace”. According to Taoist theory, “harmony” is the normal state of all things, and it is a state in which we desire to maintain harmony, co-exist in and share common prosperity. Harmonious co-existence is the development goal and ultimate aim of cultures, religions and human society. This exhibition is a new platform to display Taoist culture to the outside world and is thus of special significance for China’s Taoism.

      Minister Counsellor Cong Peiwu of the Chinese Embassy delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the exhibition. He congratulated on the opening of the exhibition and pointed out that Taoism, as a homegrown religion deeply rooted in China’s traditions and culture, is an important component of the Chinese culture. This is the first exhibition of Chinese Taoism in Britain. It is the first time for Chinese Taoists to introduce to the British people Taoist concepts and philosophy.

      Sir John Boyd KCMG, Chairman of Asia House, Shi Jing (Alan Redman), leader of the British Taoist Association and Matin Palmer, Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) attended the Opening Ceremony and wished the exhibition success.

      The Exhibition of China’s Taoist Culture will be on display at the Asia House from October 4 to October 31. When the exhibition is over, all the items on display will be preserved by the British Taoist Association.