The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is demonstrating its leadership in advancing the global relevance of Chinese traditional culture through an innovative national touring exhibition of Yangming-inspired cultural and creative design.
Titled “From the Heart, Form Takes Shape”, the exhibition showcases outstanding works from the Yangming Cultural and Creative Design Competition, initiated by UNNC in collaboration with Yuyao Museum. Bringing together top student designs from across China, the exhibition highlights how Wang Yangming’s philosophy—particularly the principle of the unity of knowledge and action—can be reinterpreted through contemporary design to create culturally meaningful and socially relevant products.
At the heart of this initiative is UNNC’s long-standing commitment to integrating Yangming philosophy into its teaching and research. Since establishing a dedicated Yangming cultural research base in 2019, the University has embedded these ideas across its curricula, encouraging students to explore traditional Chinese thought through hands-on, practice-based learning.
The impact of this work is increasingly international. As part of the Milan Design Week China University Design Exhibition, the Yangming Cultural and Creative Design Competition has attracted participation from more than 900 universities and over 13,000 submissions. Award-winning projects have been presented on the global stage in Milan, offering a compelling platform for sharing the richness of Chinese culture with international audiences.
Dr Jiang Wu, Programme Director for MSc Innovative Design, notes: “Yangming’s principle of the unity of knowledge and action aligns closely with the core philosophy of contemporary design education—learning through doing. We encourage creativity that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant, fostering innovation with substance rather than imitation.”
Through initiatives such as this national touring exhibition, UNNC continues to play a leading role in revitalising and reimagining the best of Chinese traditional culture. By empowering a new generation of designers to translate philosophical ideas into contemporary practice, the University is not only preserving cultural heritage, but also ensuring its dynamic presence in global conversations on creativity and innovation.
Published on 13 April 2026