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Fired up by clay

They discussed the history and culture of Mindu in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, and its active role in China's economic development and modernization.

"Mindu culture played a special part in bringing Western culture to China due to its access to convenient marine transportation. Fuzhou also boasts many overseas Chinese, who are indispensable in Mindu culture," said Wu Li, deputy director of the Institute of Contemporary China Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Wu said Chinese culture is of great diversity because of its natural conditions and geographic differences, which boost the development of the culture.

Professor Zhong Weimin from the department of history of Tsinghua University said that when the Daoguang Emperor signed The Treaty of Nanjing with the United Kingdom in 1842, he was unwilling to open Fuzhou to trade until the UK's fleets came to Nanjing and forced him to do so. Fuzhou was one of the most important harbors, so it was very profitable to export the province's tea from the city.

More than 30 essays about Mindu culture will be published soon.