Invited by the Elassona Agricultural Heritage Society of Greece, Venerable Guanquan who also presides as rector of Hangzhou Buddhist Academy, led the Hangzhou Buddhist Academy Performance Arts group of 56 people to Athens on August 28th for the Twentieth Annual Greek International Cultural Dance Festival. The performance group of 56 was received by the Board of Directors of Elassona Heritage Society with a glorious welcome upon arrival to Athens. The dignitary guests addressed the eager crowd and gave rounds of well wishes for a wonderful performance.

In response to the host's warm welcome, Venerable Guangquan spoke briefly to the crowd on the correlation between Greek and Chinese cultures as two of the world's remarkable ancient cultures. The ancient Greek cultural span reached Asia, the Abbot proceeded, infused with Ancient Indian Buddhism yielded spectacular Buddhist art--particularly sculptures, most famously the Gandhara (Gandha-vati) Buddha statues. After Buddhism reached China, the Greek artistic influences were still visible even the sculpted art of the Northern Wei Period (386-557). Through a fascinating ancient influence of cultures between China and Greece, the hope for this experience is to establish, or strengthen, a modern cultural exchange between the countries.

The first performance for the Hangzhou Buddhist Academy Performance Arts Group was August 29th in the region of Stimanga, for the grape harvest celebration, "The Harvest By The Centuries," followed by the performance at the 20th International Music-Dance Festival Aradossivia 2014 on Aug 30th as opening Program for that evening, to a warm and gracious crowd of local residents and dignitary guests.

On The second of Sept, Venerable Guanquan wrapped up the visit to Greece by leading the dharma master for "Ceremony for blessings and peace with overseas Chinese Association."

Festival Organizers and the Athens Overseas Chinese representatives welcome Venerable Guangquan and the Hangzhou Buddhist Academy Performance Arts group at the airport.

 Hangzhou Buddhist Academy Performance Arts Group featuring pieces of Buddhist Cultural Art theme

 Hangzhou Buddhist Academy Performance Arts Group with performers of the festival