On January 17th, 2024, the sixth lecture of the Peking University Dishui Lake Lecture Hall (PKU-DSLLH) was successfully held. Hang Kan, Professor in the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University, and Head of the Yungang Grottoes Research Institute was invited to give a special lecture on the topic Grottoes and Chinese Culture（《石窟与中国文化》）, elaborating on issues such as "What are Grottoes," "Foreign Grottoes in World Heritage Sites," and "China's Four Major Grottoes."

During the lecture, Professor Hang Kan used rich images and detailed information to explain the close connection between grottoes and Chinese culture, focusing on the four major grottoes of Dunhuang, Yungang, Longmen, and Dazu. These grottoes and temples in China have a wide range, large scale, and comprehensive system, integrating architecture, sculpture, murals, calligraphy, and other arts, fully reflecting the aesthetic pursuit, values, and cultural spirit of the Chinese nation.

Professor Hang Kan pointed out that grotto art witnessed cultural and artistic exchanges at all times and in all places. He emphasized the rich historical and cultural value contained in grottoes and stressed the urgent need to strengthen systematic research, interpretation, and utilization of grottoes. This would further enhance the international influence of Chinese grotto art and help tell China's stories well.

During the Q&A session, Professor Hang Kan responded to questions from the audience about "Fire protection measures for grottoes" and "Cultural development in Lin-gang", engaging in lively interactions with the audience and fostering a warm atmosphere of communication.

The Department of Party-People Affaris, Lin-gang Special Area Administration (LSAA), Peking University Shanghai Lin-gang International Science and Technology Innovation Center (PKU-IICSH), as well as representatives from Peking University Alumni Association, community residents, and online registered participants attended the event.

Wu Xiaohua, Deputy-secretary of the Party Working Committee of Lin-gang Special Area met with Professor Hang Kan, and presented him with a commemorative plaque as the sixth lecturer of PKU-DSLLH.

After the lecture, Professor Hang Kan conducted on-site inspections at PKU-IICSH and provided guidance on the center's development.

Initiated with the support of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Speacial Area Administration (hereinafter referred to as Lin-gang Special Area, or LSAA), Peking University Dishui Lake Lecture Hall (PKU-DSLLH) is a collaborative effort involving Peking University Intertional Innovational Center, Lin-gang Special Area, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (PKU-IICSH), Peking University Office of Science and Technology Development, and Office of Humanities and Social Science, and enjoying an active participation from Peking University Press, Peking University Alumni Association, and other relevant offices and departments. Leveraging Peking University's profound academic foundation and expert resources in the humanities and social sciences, PKU-DSLLH focuses on key areas including economic development, humanities and arts, and social governance.

Since August 2023, PKU-DSLLH has been hosting monthly lectures featuring renowned professors or expert scholars from Peking University, who provide specialized lectures and engage in in-depth discussions with residents in Lin-gang. This initiative aims to facilitate the concentration of high-quality humanities and social science resources from Peking University in Lingang, effectively enhancing the cultural image and urban competitiveness of the Lin-gang Special Area.