A delegation of artistes from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, has arrived in Nigeria to promote cultural exchange between the two nations.
The group performed in Abuja on Thursday as part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, themed “A Moon-ment to Remember,” organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN).
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Yu Dunhai, described the festival as a cultural bridge that fosters friendship.
“China’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It is a special day that really captures the Chinese spirit of family reunion, harmony, and mutual support. On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side,” he said.
Yu stressed that cultural exchange plays a crucial role in bilateral ties.
“Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations,” he added.
He highlighted Shenzhen’s transformation from a fishing village to a global hub of 18 million people with a GDP of more than 500 billion dollars, noting that its blend of modern innovation and cultural creativity reflects China’s wider development journey.
Mr Li Qiangqiang, Deputy Director-General of Shenzhen Bureau of Culture, Media, Tourism, and Sports, said the festival coincided with China’s upcoming National Day, giving it special significance.
“In spite of the immense geographical distance, the cultural bond has fostered a heart-to-heart connection between us. Today’s event stands as both a vivid reflection of the cultural exchanges between our two nations and a heartwarming testimony to the friendship between the people of Shenzhen and Nigeria,” he said.
Li commended Nigeria’s cultural richness and reaffirmed Shenzhen’s commitment to deeper cultural collaboration.
“Cultural exchange is a dialogue of the heart and the cornerstone of friendship. Through our joint efforts, cultural interactions between Shenzhen and Nigeria will become more frequent and profound,” he added.
Representing Nigeria, Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, said the event highlighted shared values between both countries.
“The theme for today’s event aligns with me, the people of China and Nigeria, with their mutual respect and love, celebrate together the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival symbolising harvest, reunion and blessings,” he said.
Drawing parallels between Chinese and Nigerian traditions of harvest and family unity, Muhammad noted that “this shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples.”
He also pointed out the historical coincidence that Nigeria and China both mark their National Days on Oct. 1, describing it as “a powerful symbol” of aligned aspirations.
“As we share in the tradition of enjoying mooncakes and admiring the beauty of the moon, let us be reminded of the light that shines on both Nigeria and China. Let this light guide us towards greater cooperation, not just in commerce and infrastructure, but in the profound realms of culture, art, and human understanding,” he said.
The Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band performed during the event, while guests also viewed a photo exhibition showcasing Shenzhen’s transformation as China’s “window” of reform and innovation.
(NAN)