Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Visitors explore the China’s National Pavilion at the 2025 Venice International Architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy on May 9, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
China’s National Pavilion at the 2025 Venice International Architecture Biennale opened on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Venice, Italy, presenting the theme “CO-EXIST.” Curated by renowned architect Ma Yansong, founder of MAD Architects, and organized by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the exhibition will run through Nov. 23, 2025.
This year’s pavilion features 10 pieces (sets) of exhibits, exploring topics such as the Liangzhu Culture, Dunhuang Mogao Grottos, the Beijing central axis, and vision for future cities. The works reflect how contemporary Chinese architects are drawing inspiration from the traditional worldview of harmony between humanity and nature, reinterpreting this philosophy amid the ongoing shift from the industrial age to an intelligent era. By incorporating this ancient wisdom into material innovation, urban planning, and landscape regeneration, the exhibition offers a Chinese perspective and solutions to some of the challenges facing global society.
Speaking at the opening, Jia Guide, China’s Ambassador to Italy, highlighted the significance of this year’s exhibition, noting that 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the China Pavilion’s participation in the Venice Biennale. “Over the past two decades, the China Pavilion has grown into a dynamic cultural window,” he said. “Visitors from around the world can experience the beauty and innovation of Chinese modern art and design.”
Ambassador Jia also mentioned 2025 commemorates the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic relations. He said that the two countries are deepening cultural exchanges such as the friendship between World Cultural Heritage sites, exhibitions and performances of fine arts, and personnel exchanges in the spirit of opening-up and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit.
Massimiliano De Martin, deputy mayor of Venice, praised the China Pavilion’s contribution to the Biennale. He noted that the exhibition encourages visitors to critically reflect on the relationship between sustainability, technology and capital, promoting a deeper awareness of the resilient and enduring bond between humanity and nature.
Curator Ma Yansong described the showcase of young architects’ works as a platform to express their interpretation of Chinese traditional culture, while offering forward-looking solutions to contemporary issues. He added that these diverse perspectives reveal the evolving possibilities of traditional Chinese culture.
The China National Pavilion will remain open until Nov. 23, 2025.