Bridging Tradition and Innovation: Tianjin University at the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala

Tianjin University’s participation in the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala has garnered widespread attention. As one of the most significant cultural events in China, the Gala not only celebrates Chinese New Year but also serves as a vital platform for showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. This year’s program,The Pillars of the Nation, highlights the beauty of Chinese architecture, aiming to introduce the profound wisdom of ancient Chinese construction to the world. Tianjin University, with its decades of expertise in the study and surveying of ancient architecture, was invited to contribute as an expert team for this highly anticipated event.

The program’s visual design draws inspiration from Liang Sicheng’s architectural surveys of ancient Chinese buildings, which are then transformed into detailed 3D models. These models offer a captivating visual experience that demonstrates the elegance and intricate design of traditional Chinese architecture.

Tianjin University’s School of Architecture provided twelve sets of comprehensive architectural survey results, ensuring the visual representation in the program was grounded in solid academic research. The collaboration between Tianjin University’s experts and the Gala’s production team involved numerous consultations to refine the program’s architectural details, including structural components and proportions, ensuring they were both historically accurate and visually compelling.

Tianjin University’s architectural education has long been distinguished by its focus on blending local cultural heritage with global architectural practices. The university’s commitment to preserving China’s ancient architectural traditions has positioned it as a leader in the field. Led by Professor Wang Qiheng, Tianjin University’s research team has spent decades studying and documenting ancient Chinese architecture. In 2007, their extensive collection of Qing Dynasty architectural blueprints, totaling nearly 20,000 pieces, was inscribed into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, marking a significant milestone in the global recognition of Chinese architectural heritage.

Since the 1930s, Tianjin University has played a pivotal role in the surveying and preservation of key Chinese cultural heritage sites, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. The university has pioneered the application of advanced technologies, such as 3D laser scanning and aerial photogrammetry, to digitally preserve these invaluable structures. Its research has not only set the standard for architectural surveying in China but also influenced international efforts in cultural heritage preservation.

The university’s work in ancient architectural surveying continues to shape contemporary Chinese design. Many of its alumni have contributed to the creation of iconic buildings such as the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube for the 2008 Olympics. These modern structures, infused with elements of traditional Chinese design, have helped bring Chinese architectural aesthetics to the global stage.

Tianjin University’s enduring commitment to preserving and understanding ancient Chinese architecture ensures that the wisdom of past generations continues to inspire both contemporary architecture and future innovations. By safeguarding this rich cultural legacy, the university plays a crucial role in making the beauty and wisdom of Chinese architecture known to the world.

By Qin Mian