On November 10 (local time), an exhibition of traditional Chinese family letters opened in Dublin, Ireland, co-hosted by Renmin University of China (RUC) and the Confucius Institute at University College Dublin (UCD).

Speaking at the event, Zhang Donggang, secretary of the CPC RUC Committee, stated that people-to-people exchanges are a crucial pillar of China–Ireland relations. He noted that bringing the exhibition to Dublin reflects both countries' shared commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation. Family letters represent a universal emotional language and a record of human experience that connect cultures across time and geography.

Colin Scott, registrar, deputy president and vice-president for academic affairs at UCD, said the exhibition highlights the ethical values and cultural traditions embedded in Chinese family life, while also resonating with Ireland's own legacy of written correspondence. He reaffirmed UCD's support for deepening academic and cultural collaboration with Chinese universities.

Traditional Chinese family letters are displayed in full-size replicas at the exhibition in Dublin.

RUC's Family Letter Museum holds more than 80,000 letters. For this exhibition, 32 sets comprising 55 letters were selected and presented in full-size replicas in frames and display cases, accompanied by related photographs and background narratives. The collection includes letters written by historical figures such as Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang and Kang Youwei, as well as correspondence from ordinary citizens and military personnel, collectively reflecting over a century of Chinese social life from multiple perspectives, according to Li Zhenshi, head of the museum, and Zhang Ding, deputy head. 

Traditional Chinese family letters are displayed in full-size replicas at the exhibition in Dublin.

Family affection knows no borders, and friendship transcends nations. These letters, bridging oceans and time, carry enduring love, warmth and humanity, connecting families and communities across cultures. Following its first overseas presentation in Germany in 2024, the exhibition in Dublin will remain open until November 25, offering audiences a unique window into Chinese cultural heritage.