On February 3rd, the Beijing Nanhaizi Elk Garden Museum in Yizhuang (Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area) was filled with the joyful voices of children. This marked the third event of the "Striving towards the New and Embracing Future—China-France Industry and Culture Exchange Week," organized by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA). The event, titled "The World in the Eyes of a Child," brought together six foreign children, including Alexey Lerisson from France, and twenty Chinese primary school students studying in Beijing. They embarked on a journey through the wetlands, encountering elk and immersing themselves in the historical and ecological significance of these majestic creatures. Inspired by their experience, the children expressed their vision of a livable city through their hand-painted artworks.
As the saying goes, "Deer are seen when the forest is deep," and indeed, the melodious calls of deer resonated from the heart of Yizhuang, a city known for its cutting-edge industries. In the protected area of the Elk Garden, groups of deer leisurely strolled, basking in the sun. The staff of the Beijing Elk Ecological Experiment Center informed the children that deer, originating over two million years ago, are a unique and precious species in China, comparable to the giant panda.
The Elk Garden serves as both a scientific discovery site and a preservation hub for the native deer population, providing a space for their revival and protection. It is also the closest natural conservation area to the city center, focusing on the preservation of China's rare deer species and wetland ecology. Over the past four decades, the center has successfully rejuvenated the deer population, relocated them to safe habitats, and reintroduced them to the wild, setting an example for wildlife conservation worldwide.
Accompanied by Hu Jining, the Exhibition Department Director of the Beijing Elk Ecological Experiment Center, the children ventured into an exhibition showcasing the legendary deer. One painting depicted deer harmoniously coexisting with sika deer, tigers, Asian elephants, and other animals in the vast Chinese land. The lush scenery displayed a vibrant ecological scene.
After the tour, under the guidance of their teachers, the children eagerly picked up their paintbrushes and depicted their impressions of the day. Each child showcased their unique observations and creativity, representing their vision of Yizhuang through artwork. Alexey and his younger brother Nikolaï from France found themselves captivated by the antlers ofa pair of giant deer showcased in the museum. Alexey proudly presented his painting of antlers, expressing, "I enjoyed today's activity. Deer are fascinating; they continuously grow new antlers, and they are so beautiful. I really, really want to touch them." Wang Mengyi from Yi Zhuang Second Elementary School painted a verdant forest, with tree trunks resembling open arms, embracing a green world. Zhang Manqi from Beijing Yizhuang Experimental Primary School exclaimed, "We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place as Yizhuang." Belinda Bao, a foreign student, expressed her excitement at encountering these animals with unique antlers for the first time, finding them novel and fascinating.
The event was honored to have contemporary artist He Junhong, who has exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, as a guest commentator. She remarked, "In both Chinese and Western cultures, deer are seen as auspicious symbols. It is especially meaningful to bring children from China and France together to learn about deer, promote green development ideas, and celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries."
Following the event, digital versions of the paintings will be properly preserved, participating in the annual evaluation of the "World in the Eyes of a Child" painting collection event. They will also serve as witnesses to cultural exchanges between China and France and the flourishing friendship between the two nations, participating in relevant cultural exchange exhibitions both domestically and abroad.
