Core Viewpoint - The Suzhou delegation's visit to North America aims to strengthen cultural exchanges through garden art, enhancing Suzhou's garden culture on a global scale and fostering international cooperation [1][6]. Group 1: Cultural Exchange Activities - The delegation visited Victoria, Canada, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the friendship between Suzhou and Victoria, marking the beginning of the North American exchange [1]. - A "Friendly Garden" agreement was signed between Suzhou's Lion Grove Garden and Butchart Gardens, focusing on long-term cooperation in ecological protection, garden skills transmission, tourism resource sharing, and cultural activities [1][3]. Group 2: Exhibitions and Events - In Vancouver, the "Suzhou Garden Aesthetics Exhibition" was held, celebrating the 28th anniversary of the sister garden relationship between Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden and the Yiyuan Garden [2]. - The exhibition showcased Suzhou's garden aesthetics through various displays, including seasonal garden images and a 1:1 replica of the "Jia Shi Pavilion" with AR interactive features [2]. Group 3: Celebrations in Portland - The delegation attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, which is designed in the style of Suzhou gardens and has received multiple awards for its design [5]. - The celebration featured traditional performances, including Suzhou embroidery and Kunqu opera, providing an immersive cultural experience for attendees [5][7]. Group 4: Future Plans - Suzhou's Garden and Greening Management Bureau plans to continue leveraging garden culture to enhance cultural exchanges globally, contributing to the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture [6].

Core Viewpoint - The event on June 14, 2023, marked the "Cultural and Natural Heritage Day" in Shanghai, featuring the launch of the book "Cultural Heritage Perspective of Jiangnan: Shanghai Classical Gardens" and six cultural tourism routes that highlight the cultural heritage of Jiangnan in Shanghai [1][3]. Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Tourism - The book "Cultural Heritage Perspective of Jiangnan: Shanghai Classical Gardens" is the second volume in a series aimed at showcasing the multi-dimensional value of cultural heritage in Shanghai [3]. - Six cultural tourism routes were introduced, combining ancient towns, classical gardens, and culinary experiences to provide visitors with an immersive experience of Jiangnan culture [6]. - The event included free access to 30 cultural heritage sites and museums, along with various activities designed to deepen public engagement with Shanghai's cultural heritage [6]. Group 2: Historical Significance of Classical Gardens - Shanghai's classical gardens, such as Yuyuan, Quxue Garden, and Qiuyuan, are recognized for their artistic and historical value, reflecting the exquisite layout and rich cultural background of Jiangnan gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties [3][4]. - The gardens are classified as national or municipal cultural heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of preserving their original appearance during restoration [3]. - The historical context of these gardens is linked to the broader narrative of Chinese garden aesthetics, particularly during the peak of garden construction in the Ming dynasty [4]. Group 3: Modern Engagement and Challenges - There is a need to adapt the presentation and utilization of classical gardens to attract younger audiences while maintaining their historical essence [5]. - The challenges of preserving traditional gardening techniques and the loss of skilled artisans are highlighted as significant issues facing the future of these cultural sites [5]. - The integration of modern communication methods and new experiences in classical gardens is essential for their continued relevance in contemporary society [5].