An Italian scholar fulfills his potential in China, through opportunities aligned with the country’s vibrant cultural development. 

“In August 2014, when I set my feet on the land of China, ride-hailing apps like Didi weren’t popular in Nanjing yet, and translation software was rarely seen. I didn’t speak Chinese, so even simple tasks like going out was challenging,” said Andrea L. Baldini, a Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor at Peking University’s School of Arts, in an exclusive interview with China Today. 

Born in Viareggio, a seaside tourist resort in Italy’s Tuscany, Baldini pursued a Ph.D. in philosophy at Temple University in Philadelphia, the U.S., with a keen interest in philosophy of art, with some interest in Asian thought. “In 2012, as I was finishing my doctorate, my advisor asked if I’d consider moving to China for work,” said Baldini. He jumped at the opportunity and has been in the country ever since. 

Andrea L. Baldini, a Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor at Peking University’s School of Arts. 

From Philosophy to Cultural Exchange 

Starting as an international postdoctoral exchange fellow at Nanjing University’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Baldini went on to become the coordinator of the university’s Jinling Artist-in-Residence Program in 2015. The initiative invites Italian artists to Nanjing for creative projects, fostering dialogues with local artists, scholars, students, and residents. It bridges Eastern and Western civilizations through art, history, and shared contemporary values. 

“We organized a series of activities to promote cultural exchange,” said Baldini. In October 2015, they hosted the Colorful Tuscany – Italian Contemporary Art Invitational Exhibition in Nanjing, featuring works by 10 Tuscan artists. The event also celebrated the 35th anniversary of Nanjing-Florence sister-city ties and the 23rd anniversary of the Jiangsu-Tuscany sister-province relationship. 

“It was an ambitious project for me,” he said. Though trained as a philosopher, Baldini embraced his role in cultural exchange, sparking new ideas through collaborations. “I began appreciating China’s opportunities and reimagining my life and career here. Frankly, I wanted to experience something entirely new,” he admitted. 

In January 2019, a delegation from the University of Turin visited Nanjing University. The two sides signed a cooperation memorandum and inaugurated the China-Italy Cultural Research Center, which aims to advance Sino-Italian studies in art, philosophy, and culture through conferences and academic programs. At the time, Baldini was an associate professor of art theory and aesthetics at Nanjing University and was nominated as the center’s director. 

“Since its establishment, we’ve launched some summer exchange programs and collaborated with the Institute of Italian Culture in Shanghai to organize exhibitions and cultural events,” he said. Actually, preceding the center’s founding, annual summer programs had been organized since 2017, sending 50 to 60 students to Italy for 15-day immersive study at the University of Turin and University of Florence. In addition, workshops were held by Italian scholars, covering topics like art and finance, art and law, and culinary heritage. 

In 2019, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, the Jinling Artist-in-Residence Program hosted the exhibition “Uno di voi mi tradirà,” a dialogue between da Vinci’s legacy and contemporary China, which was listed among Italy’s official commemorations. 

Due to his contribution to the internationalization of the Jiangsu Province, Baldini was awarded the Jiangsu Youth Friendship Envoy in 2018 by local government’s foreign affairs office, encouraging them to promote more cross-cultural communication and people-to-people exchanges.

Baldini (first row, second from the right) is awarded the Jiangsu Youth Friendship Envoy in 2018 by local government’s foreign affairs office.

Cultural Connections Through Food 

Cultural differences between Italy, the U.S., and China intrigued Baldini, prompting him to explore diverse perspectives. He discovered a natural affinity between Chinese and Italians. “Our approach to food is strikingly similar. For both, food transcends sustenance – it is art, philosophy, and a bond to family and homeland.” 

“Not all cultures grasp this depth,” said Baldini. “Some view food merely as fuel, but Italians find that laughable. For us, sharing a meal is the key, something Chinese people can understand well. Why do Chinese love hotpot? It’s [because it is] about gathering with loved ones.” He admires Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao’s practice of placing a teddy bear beside solo diners, a gesture embodying companionship and cultural resonance. 

“My mother sends me spices from Italy. One bite, I’m homesick. That’s the power of ‘home flavor,’” said Baldini. “A Chinese saying, ‘To win someone’s heart, win his stomach first,’ mirrors the Italian proverb, ‘The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’,” he added. 

As a philosopher, Baldini explores food as creative expression. At the University of Milan, a colleague, Andrea Borghini, founded a research center on food philosophy. “We examine culinary heritage and creativity. I once invited him to lecture on Culinary Cultural Heritage in Italy, [to share] a study of what cooking truly means,” he said. 

Baldini’s work has gained traction in academic circles. His paper, co-authored with Borghini, Cooking and Dining as Forms of Public Art, presented at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, argues that food reflects personal and social identity, fostering more connections and creative dialogues.

Baldini (first from the left) builds bridges between Chinese and Italian civilizations by sharing about cultural heritage through the topic of gourmet.

“China Continuously Inspires Me” 

Baldini wears many hats: founding editor of the East Asian Journal of Philosophy (eajp.online), scholar of aesthetics, cultural studies, intellectual property law, and visual art, as well as author of A Philosophy Guide to Street Art and the Law. His works appear in journals like Philosophy Compass, The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, and Journal of Visual Culture. 

“I’m honored to be a Changjiang Scholar at Peking University, one of China’s oldest institutions. Its interdisciplinary approach in the arts fuels creative thinking,” he said. 

To foster cross-cultural exchange, Baldini emphasized spontaneity and openness. “China’s rapid digital advancements create boundless possibilities. Returning to Italy sometimes feels like stepping back into medieval Europe. In China, technology enables free virtual interactions unimaginable elsewhere.” 

China’s ancient craftsmanship of jade carving and embroidery astounds him, as does its modern prowess in engineering, AI, and design. “Living here for over a decade, I’ve learned that any idea can become reality. Innovation thrives everywhere, with multiple initiatives, market opportunities, and cross-cultural projects.”  

Baldini applauds China’s efforts to showcase its cultural potential globally, such as relaxed visa policies facilitating international exchanges. “I hope more foreigners come to China and more Chinese go out to explore the world. Sharing China’s language, culture, art, and technology will enrich global cultural diversity,” he said.