Global Sinologists gather in Shanghai for China studies conference

Meeting Sinologists from across the world, the 35-year-old lecturer at Sichuan International Studies University also emphasized the critical fundamental role that Sinologists play in building global Chinese culture and helping make dialogues with other cultures.

Emily Wilcox, a professor of modern languages and literatures, Chinese studies at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, joined the gathering on the invitation of Beijing Language and Culture University and was impressed in other perspectives.

"I think one of the biggest misconceptions (the West has about China) is that many people in the West believe that people in China are unhappy. And actually, I think people in China are very happy, as they have a lot of conveniences, safety and basic social services. I think that Western people should learn from that," said Wilcox.

She also praised China's strong investment in the arts, which has provided stability and resources for artists to create.

As a scholar of modern and contemporary China with a focus on performing arts, media and cultural history, she hopes to bridge Sinologists, especially scholars from Global South nations, through cultural and art exchanges at the event.