From a New York exhibition on immigrant identity to cultural gatherings in Beijing, the youth-led initiative highlights the role of people-to-people exchange amid geopolitical tensions.

Young participants from around the world at a Xenni gathering in Beijing

NEW YORK / BEIJING — October 21, 2026 — As U.S.–China relations remain shaped by political tensions and geopolitical competition, a young cultural entrepreneur is exploring another dimension of international relations: the connections formed between ordinary people.

Larisa Lin, founder of Xenni (齐间), is bringing young people from different countries together through contemporary art, traditional craftsmanship, and a modern interpretation of Chinese cultural gatherings.

Her initiative reflects a belief that international understanding develops not only through diplomacy, but also through personal encounters, shared experiences, and friendships across borders.

From New York: Exploring Identity and Belonging

In April 2026, Lin served as one of the curators of an exhibition in Midtown Manhattan exploring cultural identity and belonging.

Left: Visitors view works by second-generation immigrant artists. Right: Xenni founder Larisa Lin (left) in conversation at the New York exhibition.

Featuring works by second-generation immigrant artists from different parts of the world, the exhibition examined how individuals navigate inherited traditions, personal identity, and the experience of growing up between cultures.

The project reflected Lin’s broader interest in how cultural experiences can challenge assumptions and create opportunities for understanding across communities.

Left: A gallery talk at the exhibition in Midtown Manhattan, April 2026. Right: Guests in conversation at the exhibition.

From Peking University to International Cultural Exchange

Xenni emerged from Lin’s studies and entrepreneurial experience at Peking University, where a group of young people began exploring ways to connect traditional Chinese culture with contemporary international life.

In December 2025, the team reached the finals of an innovation and entrepreneurship competition at the university’s Guanghua School of Management.

Left: Presenting Xenni at Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management. Right: The Xenni team at Peking University.

Since then, Xenni has organized multiple cultural gatherings in Beijing, collectively reaching approximately 100 people and engaging young participants from more than ten countries.

Inspired by yaji, a traditional Chinese gathering centered on art, tea, and conversation, Xenni creates spaces where participants can share cultural traditions and personal stories rather than simply observe cultural demonstrations.

The team also emphasizes firsthand learning. Members Han Danning and Li Bingfei traveled to Suzhou to study traditional Chinese floral art, gaining practical experience with its techniques and aesthetic principles.

Left: A traditional floral art demonstration at a Xenni gathering. Right: A guest signs in.

This approach combines respect for cultural heritage with the creativity and perspectives of a younger generation.

Chinese and Latin American Traditions Around One Table

On October 24, Xenni will host Threads Across Cultures at Heyuan Space in Beijing, bringing China’s Zhuang brocade tradition into conversation with textile traditions from Mexico and Guatemala.

UPCOMING EVENT | Threads Across Cultures

Date: October 24, 2026 Venue: Heyuan Space, Beijing

Theme: Zhuang brocade × textile traditions of Mexico and Guatemala

Program: Traditional craftsmanship · Tea · Floral art · Cultural discussion

Through traditional craftsmanship, tea, floral art, and cultural discussions, participants will explore how different societies preserve cultural memory and express identity through heritage.

The event is designed as a two-way exchange, encouraging participants to share their own experiences and perspectives.

The Power of People-to-People Connections

While international relations are often defined by trade, technology, security, and political competition, relationships between societies also develop through everyday encounters.

Xenni places these personal connections at the center of its work, creating opportunities for young people to engage beyond stereotypes and national narratives.

Traditional craft, seen through contemporary eyes

The initiative does not seek to resolve political disagreements. Instead, it aims to foster mutual understanding through shared learning, conversation, and lasting friendships.

Connecting Lin’s curatorial experience in New York with Xenni’s cultural programming in Beijing, the initiative is developing its Around the Table series to bring heritage education, contemporary art, and international youth exchange together.

Different cultures. Shared stories. One table.

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About Xenni

Founded by Larisa Lin, Xenni (齐间) is a youth-led cultural initiative connecting people across cultures through traditional craftsmanship, contemporary art, and people-to-people exchange.

With cultural activities in Beijing engaging young people from more than ten countries, Xenni is developing its Around the Table initiative to encourage cultural understanding and lasting international connections.

Founder Larisa Lin

Locations Beijing & New York

Website https://xenni.space

Instagram @xennioffical

Media Inquiries x@xennispace.com