BEIJING (March 23, 2026) – The M CULTURE Exchange “Lion on the Central Axis – Temple of Heaven Art Run and Creative Journey”, a cultural philanthropy initiative jointly organized by Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality and China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, officially launched on March 23 at the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the M Culture marks the second annual journey of the M CULTURE Exchange series. Guided by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, this year’s program takes the Beijing Central Axis as its cultural anchor, inviting an international artist to reinterpret its profound heritage through contemporary global perspectives. By integrating artistic creation with the Temple of Heaven Art Run, the initiative bridges art and sport, offering the public an immersive way to experience the enduring beauty of Chinese traditional architecture and culture.

On the day of the launch, distinguished guests from across sectors gathered to witness the opening of the journey, including Mr. Li Xikui, President of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development; Mr. Fred Zhou, President of China Hospitality of MGM Resorts International, President and Director of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality; Ms. Chen Yue, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development; Mr. Liu Yaning, Director and Executive Vice President of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality; Mr. Qi Lin, Deputy Director of the Temple of Heaven Park; as well as American artist Brad Kunkle, among others.

Guests at the launch ceremony

Building the cultural bridge through art and people-to-people exchange

At the launch ceremony, Mr. Li Xikui, President of the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, delivered remarks highlighting that since its establishment in 1996, the Foundation has upheld the vision of peace, friendship and development, firmly believing that people-to-people exchange is a vital bond between nations and a cornerstone of lasting international relations. He noted that following the successful launch of the M CULTURE Exchange in 2025, the Foundation once again joins hands with Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality this year to support international artists in engaging with China’s outstanding traditional culture. Through more diverse formats and innovative approaches, the initiative seeks to spark new creative dialogues between the cultural legacy of the Beijing Central Axis and contemporary international artistic expression, fostering mutual understanding and friendship among peoples around the world.

Speech by Mr. Li Xikui

Mr. Fred Zhou, President of China Hospitality of MGM Resorts International, President and Director of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, remarked that, “Culture and art have always been deeply embedded in MGM’s brand DNA. Since entering the Chinese market, MGM has continuously promoted cultural exchange between China and the world through arts, culture and public initiatives, giving rise to the M CULTURE Exchange. This year’s program adopts sport as a medium, art as a form of expression, and culture as its core, further enriching the M CULTURE Exchange by activating the contemporary value of Chinese cultural heritage within a global context, allowing the public to experience its depth and warmth through participation.”

He added that the Beijing Central Axis represents not only a masterpiece of ancient Chinese urban planning, but also a concentrated embodiment of Chinese civilizational order and philosophical thought. With “Lion on the Central Axis” as the creative theme, culture is perceived through the art run and passed on through interaction.

Speech by Mr. Fred Zhou

Mr. Qi Lin, Deputy Director of the Temple of Heaven Park, shared that the Temple of Heaven is a treasured symbol of Chinese civilization and a key cultural landmark along the Beijing Central Axis, embodying rich traditional and ceremonial heritage as well as the spirit of harmony. The “Lion on the Central Axis – Temple of Heaven Art Run and Creative Journey” pays tribute to the Central Axis through running, conveys the Temple of Heaven’s cultural symbolism of blessings, and contributes in a meaningful way to the global promotion of the Beijing Central Axis.

Speech by Mr. Qi Lin

The American artist Brad Kunkle, recipient of this year’s “M Culture Artist of the Year” title, is internationally recognized for his distinctive use of gold and silver leaf techniques. His works have been included as part of the Lunar Codex and placed within a digital time capsule on the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program.

Expressing his excitement at the launch ceremony, Kunkle shared that he has long admired Chinese traditional culture and art, and feels honored to participate in this year’s M CULTURE Exchange. He noted that visiting the Beijing Central Axis and the Temple of Heaven offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with a site of profound historical and cultural significance. As an artist, he believes that art transcends borders and serves as a universal language that fosters mutual understanding and meaningful connections. He expressed confidence that the Temple of Heaven would mark a new chapter in his creative journey and become a milestone in his artistic career.

During the journey, Kunkle will have a field trip along the Beijing Central Axis and then create a large-scale gold-leaf artwork measuring 1.2 meters by 1.5 meters, inspired by the artistic essence of the Central Axis. The work will also be digitally extended and presented across multiple media platforms, bringing the cultural charm of the Beijing Central Axis to international audiences.

Speech by American artist Brad Kunkle

Running through history and experiencing culture in motion

As a key component of the initiative, the Temple of Heaven Art Run brought together more than 80 runners who set off with energy and enthusiasm. More than a sporting experience, the art run represented a cultural journey through history and human connection, allowing participants to sense Chinese cultural heritage through every step and deepening cultural exchange through shared movement.

Prior to the run, participants took part in a ceremonial starting ritual featuring the Zhu, an ancient ceremonial percussion instrument central to classical Chinese ritual music. With the resonant sound of the Zhu, runners embarked on their journey, paying solemn tribute to the profound ritual and musical traditions embedded within the Beijing Central Axis.

Ceremonial start of the Temple of Heaven Art Run

The running route was thoughtfully designed, with participants’ footsteps collectively tracing an auspicious “lucky elephant” pattern in the Temple of Heaven park, symbolizing good fortune and positive wishes for a flourishing future as they journeyed alongside history.

Runners participating in the Temple of Heaven Art Run

Runners’ route forming an auspicious “lucky elephant” pattern

Rooted in traditional culture, Committed to the Chinese Market

Over the past four years, the M CULTURE Exchange has continuously integrated the resources of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality to promote the revitalization of outstanding Chinese traditional culture and build bridges of friendship between China and the world.

In 2025, Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality partnered with the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development to launch the M CULTURE Exchange, transforming a traditional art exhibition into a creative journey and successfully delivering the “Silk Reverie · M Culture Creative Journey”. In 2024, the initiative presented the “Wind and Sea” art exhibition in Shenzhen in tribute to the Maritime Silk Road, while in 2023 it hosted its first creative promotion for Nanjing Yunjing in Shanghai. Each program has received positive engagement and recognition from across society.

MGM believes that culture is a universal language that connects the world. Looking ahead, MGM will continue to deepen its presence in the Chinese market, staying committed to cultural exchange and the renewal of outstanding traditional culture.