On the evening of Oct. 29, 2015, Professor Nicholas Chrimes delivered a speech on “University of Cambridge: a Cultural Center with 800-year History”, which is one of the series of lectures at the 26th International Cultural Festival of Zhejiang University. Nicholas Chrimes, a famous historian, is respected as “the scholar who knows Cambridge best”. The speech, hosted by Professor Fang Fan, deputy director of School of International Studies, attracted over 70 students and teachers.
At first, Prof. Chrimes introduced the establishment and development of University of Cambridge from a cultural perspective. Prof. Chrimes stated that Cambridge has 31 colleges, with each boasting its unique culture and its connection with religion. After an introduction to the history of Cambridge, Prof. Chrimes gave a talk on its current situation. Cambridge, as a time-honored university, has enjoyed a close relationship with China in terms of cultural exchange. Xu Zhimo, a famous Chinese poet and Jin Yong, a well-known Chinese writer of martial arts once studied at Cambridge and left their peculiar Chinese marks there. Nowadays, Cambridge is also strengthening its ties with China. Prof. Chrimes invited students at Zhejiang University to further their studies at Cambridge and encouraged them to make contributions to the world.
In the question and answer session, students and teachers raised questions and had heated discussions with Prof. Chrimes concerning the cultural differences between China and the United Kingdom, the British attachment to religion and issues pertaining to the University of Cambridge.
Written by Du Qingqing/Photos by Zhou Mingrui
Communist Youth League Committee of School of International Studies
Nov. 3, 2015
