Atlas HiSEAS

18/07/2025

On July 8th, we had the honor of supporting the organization of the "Rencontre pour la promotion de la 15e Exposition Internationale des Jardins de Chine (Wenzhou)" hosted at CCI Paris, as part of the official visit to France of Mr. Zhang Zhenfeng, Vice-Governor of Zhejiang Province and Secretary of the Wenzhou Municipal Committee.

This event brought together leading French and Chinese political, institutional, and business representatives to promote the upcoming 2026 China International Garden Expo in Wenzhou and strengthen cross-cultural and economic ties.

🎤 Notable attendees included:
- Sylvain Maillard, President of the France-China Friendship Group at the French National Assembly
- Gérald Barbier, President of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Thierry Meignen, Senator of Seine-Saint-Denis and President of the Majority Group at the City Council of Le Blanc-Mesnil (Greater Paris)
- Christine Ye, Member of the Political Committee of Renaissance Paris (France’s governing centrist party)

📍Organized by: Organizing Bureau of the 15th China (Wenzhou) International Garden Expo
Supported by: Wenzhou Municipal People's Government
In collaboration with: Association des Commerçants et Industriels Franco-Chinois

16/07/2025

On July 8th, we had the honor of supporting the organization of the Franco-Chinese economic exchange event at the CCI Paris, during the official visit of Mr. Zhang Zhenfeng, Vice-Governor of Zhejiang Province and Secretary of the Wenzhou Municipal Committee.
📍 This event, dedicated to promoting the 2026 China International Garden Expo in Wenzhou, brought together key political, business, and institutional representatives from both France and China.

🎤 Notable attendees included:
Mr. Sylvain Maillard President of the France-China Friendship Group at the French National Assembly
Mr.Gérald Barbier, President of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mr. Deng Li, Chinese Ambassador to France
Alongside representatives from the Wenzhou Chinese community in France

🌿 Discussions focused on cultural and economic cooperation in view of the upcoming 2026 Expo, and on the shared desire to strengthen ties between China and France.
🙏 We are proud to have contributed to this meaningful event in support of the City of Wenzhou and its partners.

03/07/2025

✨ Why Japan leads in “non-standard retail”: the HARAKADO case.
📍 Harajuku, Tokyo

Imagine a “mall” that:
– dedicates an entire floor to art installations and resting spaces, with no shops
– transforms its rooftop into a tiered urban forest
– hosts Jo Malone and Dior flagship stores alongside a local public bath and a creative members’ club
– features a library of 3,000 rare magazines for on-site browsing only
– attracts design lovers, locals, tourists, and creators without chasing floor efficiency at all costs.
🎋 That’s HARAKADO, Harajuku’s new icon.

Here, the mall becomes a cultural media and urban activator:
🌿 OMOHARA Forest on the rooftop – a green, event-friendly oasis.
🎨 HARAPPA – an open floor for art, talks, and naps.
♨️ Sentō street in the basement – a reimagined local bath experience.
🖋️ Cover magazine library – a sanctuary for rare printed treasures.
🍶 Tenga Land, Moleskine, local concept stores – a curated, narrative retail mix.
HARAKADO doesn’t just sell products. It sells moments worth collecting.

At Atlas HiSEAS, we observe how such projects redefine what retail can be: social, cultural, bold, and joyful.
💬 Would you visit a place like HARAKADO?

13/06/2025

🔷 Omoda & Jaecoo Roadshow Experience at the Westfield Mall Of the Netherlands✨
It’s launch day for Omoda&Jaecoo Nederland!

This morning marked the official unveiling of their new vehicle lineup, including the debut of the all-new OMODA 9, at the Westfield Mall of the Netherlands , just near The Hague.
This activation invites Dutch shoppers to explore next-generation vehicle design in an immersive, family-friendly setup. From bold lines to thoughtful interaction zones, the stand introduces the Dutch market to two of the most talked-about brands in smart mobility.
We’re proud to support this launch locally through onsite coordination and campaign ex*****on support.

📍 The pop-up is open daily at Central Plaza, from June 14 to 26.
Bring the whole family : a dedicated kids’ zone and creative activations await!

13/06/2025

🎨 On June 12, 2025, we were proud to co-host “Canal Heritage Shines in Europe: Exploring Intangible Cultural Heritages Along the Grand Canal” at the China Cultural Center in Brussels, part of the ongoing Jiangsu Week of Grand Canal Culture.

This event celebrated the living heritage of China’s Grand Canal through immersive demonstrations and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. 🌍

✨ Highlights included:
• Live showcases of Suzhou embroidery, Yangzhou paper cutting, and traditional woodblock printing — presented by officially recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage masters from Jiangsu

• A rich China–Belgium Cultural Dialogue Salon, moderated by Pick Keobandith , cultural diplomacy expert and advisor to the president of the World Crafts Council International.

The discussion explored:
– How traditional crafts can adapt and thrive in today’s global creative landscape

– Ways to bridge artistic traditions between East and West

– The urgency of transmitting cultural knowledge to younger generations

🗣 The panel brought together leading voices such as:
• Bart'd Eyckermans, former Director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, who highlighted the role of education in connecting heritage with artistic training

• yan shufen, Chinese-Belgian sculptor, who reflected on material, identity, and intercultural creation

• The Jiangsu artisans, whose work exemplifies the resilience and relevance of traditional craftsmanship today

🙏 Thank you to all who joined this vibrant cultural moment!

12/06/2025

🎉 Thank you for joining us at the Jiangsu Week of Grand Canal Culture! 🎉

On June 10, 2025, we had the honor of hosting the Opening Ceremony of the Jiangsu Week of Grand Canal Culture & “Millennia-Old Canal, Charm of Jiangsu” Exhibition at at the Maison de la Poste, Tour & Taxis , Brussels. It was an unforgettable day full of cultural exploration, vibrant performances, and inspiring conversations! 🌍

✨ Event Highlights:
• Suzhou Embroidery – Silk craftsmanship passed down for 2,500 years
• Woodblock Printing – Traditional relief printing methods
• Paper Cutting – A delicate art with rich symbolism
• Yixing Clay Teapots – Handcrafted teapots from Jiangsu
• Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony 🍵
• Music and Opera Performances from Wuxi 🎶
• Culinary Demonstrations 🍜

🔗 Stay tuned for more updates and future events!

05/06/2025

We are pleased to invite you to the Opening Ceremony of the “Jiangsu Week of Grand Canal Culture” & the “Millennia-Old Canal, Charm of Jiangsu” Exhibition
📅 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 2:30 PM
📍 Tour & Taxis – Maison de la Poste, Brussels
This immersive event brings Jiangsu’s vibrant traditions to life through art, craft, music, and culinary excellence — offering a rare opportunity to experience one of China’s most iconic cultural legacies.

✨ Highlights include:
• Traditional music & Chinese opera performances
• Live demonstrations of Jiangsu’s heritage crafts: embroidery, woodblock printing, paper cutting, teapot making
• A Chinese tea ceremony
• Culinary showcases by Jiangnan chefs
• Immersive artistic installations on Jiangsu’s historic canal towns
• Cultural dialogue with artists, artisans and thinkers

🎟️ Free admission – registration required: http://bit.ly/3T7veWW
📌 A not-to-be-missed event for culture lovers, professionals, and international enthusiasts.

Het eeuwenoude Grote Kanaal van China strijkt neer in Brussel.

Een immersieve tentoonstelling en live demonstraties van meester-kunstenaars nemen je mee in 2500 jaar oude tradities van dit UNESCO werelderfgoed. Laat je meeslepen door de schoonheid, smaken en geluiden van de provincie Jiangsu. Visit Jiangsu

Het is gratis, het is fascinerend en je beleeft het bij Tour & Taxis 🇨🇳

📅 10/06 – 12/06
📍 Tour & Taxis



--

Le Canal Millénaire de Chine fait escale à Bruxelles.

Plongez dans 2 500 ans de traditions et laissez-vous emporter par la beauté, les saveurs et les sons de la province du Jiangsu lors de l’événement “Le canal millénaire, le charme du Jiangsu ”. Visit Jiangsu

C’est gratuit, fascinant, et c’est à Tour & Taxis 🇨🇳

📅 10/06 – 12/06
📍 Tour & Taxis

📸 Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

02/06/2025

🇨🇳✨ Discover Chengdu’s Cultural Bloom at the 9th International Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage!

From May 28 to June 3, the city of Chengdu transforms into a vibrant stage where heritage meets creativity, tradition merges with trend, and centuries-old craftsmanship inspires new ways of life.
With over 2,000 years of history, Chengdu is reaffirming its place as a cultural capital through an extraordinary array of immersive experiences. During the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival, the city welcomes international visitors with a dazzling lineup of performances, exhibitions, and participatory events—offering a multisensory celebration of living heritage.

🎨 What’s happening in Chengdu?

• Interactive experiences: From DIY lacquer fans and paper-cutting to traditional tea sets and silk embroidery, young creators and families are hands-on with heritage.
• Immersive exhibitions: The UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park features AR/AI-enhanced installations, Sichuan opera, food tastings, and craft showcases.
• Dragon Boat Festival: Across the Nan River, Chengdu hosts a grand dragon boat regatta, folklore parades, and cultural games blending sport, tradition, and tourism.
• Cultural fashion & design: More than 200 couture garments and accessories inspired by ancient Shu culture are taking the runway by storm in 彭州 and 安仁.
• Museum x Lifestyle: Chengdu’s museums and concept stores are redefining “cultural consumption” through limited-edition blind boxes, drinks, and decor items designed with traditional crafts.
• Cultural diplomacy: Chengdu’s intangible cultural assets—including lacquerware, brocade, and bamboo tea wares—made a global appearance at the 2025 Osaka World Expo.

📍 Curious what it looks like? The 9th Festival runs until June 3 across Chengdu’s heritage sites and creative parks. Dive into the images and discover the energy and elegance of Chengdu's intangible heritage!

28/05/2025

🌊 The Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) – May 31, 2025

A 2,000-year-old tradition that continues to thrive across generations. Listed by UNESCO since 2009 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this iconic Chinese festival commemorates the tragic death of Qu Yuan, a revered poet and loyal statesman from the Warring States period.
📜 According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River after being exiled and witnessing the decline of his beloved kingdom. Local people, moved by his sacrifice, raced in boats to save him or recover his body—giving birth to the dragon boat races we know today. They also threw sticky rice dumplings, known as zongzi, into the river to protect his body from evil spirits and fish.
🏮 In 2025, the festival remains a living expression of Chinese cultural identity—celebrated with spectacular boat races, traditional music, rituals, and zongzi shared among families and friends.
🌏 The Duanwu Festival embodies timeless values: community, resilience, cultural memory, and artistic expression. It connects millions across China and the diaspora, reminding us that tradition and modern life are not opposites, but allies.

14/05/2025

💡How a Chinese mall turned “Ne Zha 2” into a retail spectacle

In February 2025, Hubin Yintai in77, one of Hangzhou’s most dynamic shopping destinations, unveiled a bold activation: a 4D immersive installation recreating a battle scene from the Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2.

The event, titled “Sky-Rending Claw”, transformed the central atrium into a cinematic stage with atmospheric lighting, vibrating sound, and custom-built props from the film’s mythology.
What made it remarkable wasn’t just the visuals. It was the cultural integration: blending modern IP, national mythology, and high-tech retail design to create something unforgettable.

🎯 Why it worked
- Emotion over promotion: There were no products to push. Just a story to live.
- Cross-generational appeal: Kids knew the characters. Adults appreciated the artistry.
In a time when attention is fragmented, creating a moment worth staying for may be more valuable than any product on display!

12/05/2025

Deji Plaza (Nanjing) - Where Retail Becomes Total Experience
💰 24.5 billion RMB in annual sales (2024) - now the world’s top-grossing single shopping mall.
📍 A mid-sized mall in Nanjing.
🏆 A national retail icon.

In 2024, Deji Plaza surpassed giants like SKP Beijing and Shanghai IFC to become China’s highest-performing mall, despite its smaller footprint .
🎯 Its secret? Precision, vision, and radical coherence.
From the start, Deji Plaza chose not to appeal to everyone, but to build something exceptional for a specific audience:
• 🎯 High-end women’s retail as the core target
• 🛍 An elite portfolio of global luxury brands (Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Tiffany...)
• 🖼 Immersive architecture, rotating art exhibits, exclusive pop-ups, designer bathrooms, and even fossil-tiled floors
• 💡 A customer experience designed down to the smallest detail — rest areas between boutiques, child safety systems, custom electric carts for cleaning staff, and more
Even its “luxury bathroom”, designed as a futuristic art installation, has become a visual icon — proving that in Deji Plaza, no touchpoint is too small to inspire wonder.

But beyond the details lies a larger story.
🧠 Deji Plaza is the result of a local entrepreneur who saw potential in a declining Times Square mall, rebuilt it from scratch, and gave Nanjing — often overshadowed by Shanghai — a retail landmark of national impact.

Deji Plaza isn’t a model to replicate — it’s a reminder that in today’s retail, meaning, ex*****on, and story matter more than scale. When shopping becomes experience, people return not just to buy, but to feel.

07/05/2025

🌟 China's Cultural Landscape in May 2025: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

As we navigate through May 2025, China's cultural scene is vibrant, reflecting a harmonious blend of its rich heritage and contemporary advancements.
1. 🐉Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) – May 31, 2025
This traditional festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan. Celebrations include dragon boat races and the consumption of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), emphasizing community spirit and cultural continuity.

2. 🎨Chengdu Biennale 2025: "Fireworks Index"
The Chengdu Biennale returns this summer with the theme "Fireworks Index," focusing on the nuances of daily life across different time zones. This edition brings together esteemed curators and artists from China and abroad, fostering international artistic dialogue.

3. 🌍China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) – May 23, 2025
Shenzhen hosts the annual ICIF, a significant event showcasing China's cultural industry sectors, including digital content, arts, crafts, and cultural technology. The fair serves as a platform for international collaboration and cultural exchange.