Zhu Yun, an artistic installation for Zhejiang Week at the China Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka, is on display. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

Zhejiang Week at the China Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka kicked off on July 12 with the inauguration of Zhu Yun, a large-scale artistic installation that served as the event's official emblem.

The name Zhu Yun (which roughly translates as "bamboo charm" or "bamboo appeal") refers to the work now displayed at the plaza in front of the China Pavilion.

As its title indicates, the installation takes bamboo — sourced from Zhejiang's Anji county, where the Two Mountains theory, "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," was first put forward — as its core medium. It creatively integrates the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy with Zhejiang's advances in artificial intelligence.

It is an embodiment of Zhejiang's practices of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature within the broader context of Chinese modernization, according to the China Academy of Art.

"By bringing the installation to Osaka, we hope the audience will both feel the profound and powerful force of traditional Chinese culture and see the limitless possibilities for future development," said Shen Hao, vice-president of CAA. "The installation itself is a compelling interpretation of how to realize the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional culture."

"We seek to fully showcase Zhejiang's dual characters as 'Poetic Jiangnan and Dynamic Zhejiang', a region where profound cultural heritage converges with innovative technological vitality," said Han Xu, who is also a vice-president of CAA.

Zhejiang is not only a pioneer in green development but also known as a key cradle and hub of China's digital economy and artificial intelligence innovation, where tech firms such as BrainCo and Unitree Robotics have gained global recognition in recent years.

Lu Tao, chief designer of the installation, said that it closely echoes the core theme of the China Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which is "Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature". He said the design seeks a natural medium that not only reflects the essence of Chinese cultural spirit but also captures the distinct character of Zhejiang.

A highlight of Zhejiang Week, the installation — through its unique artistic language and technological interaction — seeks to offer the world a window into Zhejiang's innovative practices and profound reflections on preserving cultural roots, embracing a technological future, and exploring harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.