A group photo of participating faculty and students. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

On Jan 12, the 2026 Global Studio Program and Shanshui Urbanism Symposium, hosted by Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), opened. The event brought together scholars and students from over 30 universities across more than 10 countries, including China, the United States, France, and New Zealand. Participants gathered both online and offline to explore the intersection of landscape architecture education, professional practice, and future leadership.

Scheduled to run from Jan 12 to 15, the four-day symposium features a rich program of keynote lectures, field surveys, and collaborative design sessions. The event aims to bridge the gap between traditional "Shanshui" (mountain and water) wisdom and modern urban development through cross-cultural dialogue.

Notable speakers, such as Professor Daniel Winterbottom from the University of Washington and Associate Professor Gillian Lawson from Lincoln University, will deliver insights on ecological governance, urban landscape design, and indigenous practical wisdom.

A central component of the event is the Global Workshop, which consists of eight international student teams. Under the guidance of expert mentors, these groups will conduct on-site investigations in the core areas of Wuchang Ancient City. Tasked with addressing real-world urban challenges, the teams will collaborate on creative design projects to be presented during the closing ceremony.

By fostering global perspectives and hands-on practice, the symposium serves as a vital platform for cultivating the next generation of landscape architects capable of building harmonious and sustainable urban environments.