On May 20, Shenzhen's Ping An Finance Centre, one of the tallest landmarks in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, hosted an unprecedented cultural convergence: China's Lu Xun and Britain's Charles Dickens "reunited" through AI technology and a transcontinental dialogue.
The dual exhibitions, "In the Footsteps of Lu Xun" and "Master Dialogue: Lu Xun and Dickens," brought together Zhou Lingfei (Lu Xun's grandson) and Lucinda Hawksley (Dickens' fifth-generation descendant), symbolising East-West cultural exchange.
The exhibition showcased 126 AI-restored photos of Lu Xun, many of which were unveiled for the first time in a century. From his youth in Japan to family moments in Guangzhou, the images humanise the iconic writer. "He wasn't just a thinker—he was a father, a friend, a man contemplating life through cigarette smoke," Zhou noted. The exhibition juxtaposed Lu Xun's legacy with Dickens', highlighting their shared focus on social justice. "Lu Xun challenged feudal norms with his pen; Shenzhen, like him, broke barriers through reform," Zhou added.
Held on the 547.6-meter Sky Cloud observation deck, the event transformed the tower into a "cloud salon," blending technology and the humanities. Chen Yao of Ping An Group stated the goal was to "elevate Shenzhen's cultural voice" by merging Eastern and Western narratives.
For Lucinda Hawksley, visiting China for the first time, the experience was profound. She said that in a divided world, such dialogues remind us of our shared humanity. Dickens wrote about struggles that transcend borders—poverty, hope, resilience. London Councillor Ali Munsur echoed this, calling the event a bridge for Sino-British understanding.
Shenzhen's role as a tech-cultural hub shone through. By resurrecting Lu Xun via AI and linking him to Dickens, the city demonstrated how innovation can redefine heritage. As two literary giants "met" in the clouds, their legacies whispered a universal truth: civilisations flourish not in isolation, but through exchange. Shenzhen proved that even centuries-old stories can find new wings.
Reporter | Cai Minling, Dai Xiaoxiao
Video | Xie Haoran
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
