International events transmit Chinese culture around the world
Henan province is striding forward in the field of international cultural exchanges, aiming to enhance Chinese cultural influence, according to local officials.
Located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, Henan is the birthplace of the Chinese nation and civilization, and abounds in cultural heritage.
Over the past year, the province’s work in cultural fields has achieved great results, said Song Liping, head of the Cultural Department of Henan province.
The province has kept in step with nationwide policies and diplomatic efforts, positively carrying out cultural exchanges with foreign countries, she said.
In 2017, Henan cooperated with the China Cultural Center in Fiji to launch Chinese Culture Year. During the event, the Henan cultural delegation traveled to Fiji to hold several activities, including a photography art exhibition with works featuring the Yellow River and a children’s painting exhibition focusing on the Central Plains, according to Song.
In addition, Henan has organized many exhibitions of cultural relics in museums worldwide, with the cooperation of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
These exhibitions, such as those covering the Qin (221206 BC) and Han (206 BCAD 220) dynasties and the 3,000-year history of Chinese characters, were showed in the United States, Japan and many other countries and regions. Many Yuju Opera performances, a Chinese traditional opera style originating from Henan, have been staged in Russia and Belgium, featuring stories such as The Breeze Pavilion and the character Nie Xiaoqian.
“Chinese opera must be deeply rooted in traditional culture in its journey around the world,” Li Shujian, dean of the Henan Yuju Opera Theater told local paper Henan Daily.
In addition to cultural exchanges with other countries, the province has also conducted exchanges with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
Last year, Henan’s cultural delegation traveled to Hong Kong to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the region’s return to China.
Henan has also launched several activities involving Taiwan, including student exchanges.
A local official said that as a cultural communicator and to demonstrate friendship, Henan must show China to the world in a new light and fully reflect the influence of Chinese culture through exchange initiatives.
Chinese opera must be deeply rooted in traditional culture in its journey around the world.” Li Shujian,