The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Tuesday hosted a cultural exhibition themed “Fan, Charm and Ink Fragrance: The Cultural Resonance of Traditional Calligraphy and Tang Dynasty Virtual Reality” to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between China and Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, described the event as a fusion of traditional Chinese art and modern technology aimed at showcasing the richness of Chinese civilisation.
Yang said the exhibition combined traditional calligraphy, seal carving and paintings with immersive virtual reality experiences inspired by China’s Tang Dynasty culture.
According to him, the artworks were created by young artists from leading Chinese institutions, including the China Academy of Art, the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts.
He explained that the virtual reality segment, centred on “The Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng” from the Journey Through China series, would allow visitors to experience ancient Chinese poetry gatherings and interact with traditional calligraphy through modern digital technology.
Yang said the exhibition would remain open at the China Cultural Centre until July 10, encouraging Nigerians to visit with family and friends to experience Chinese culture firsthand.
He noted that the event coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
The envoy highlighted growing bilateral cooperation between both countries, noting that China recently introduced zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries, including Nigeria, to expand mutually beneficial trade opportunities and support economic development.
Yang also linked the event to the International Day for Dialogue of Civilisations, established by the United Nations General Assembly following a resolution proposed by China and 83 other countries.
He stressed the importance of cultural dialogue in addressing global tensions, mistrust and conflicts, adding that cultural exchange remained vital to fostering understanding and cooperation among nations.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said Nigeria and China shared strong opportunities for collaboration beyond culture, particularly in science, innovation and technology.
Muhammad said Nigeria’s large population and growing technological aspirations made dialogue with China important for advancing innovation and improving human development.
He noted that both countries had already signed several memoranda of understanding and maintained robust bilateral engagements across different sectors.
The permanent secretary described the event as an avenue to celebrate cultural diversity while strengthening cooperation between the two nations for the benefit of humanity.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended the China Cultural Centre for its commitment to deepening cultural and media relations between Nigeria and China.
Ndace disclosed that collaboration between the Voice of Nigeria and Chinese institutions had led to the commencement of Mandarin-language broadcasting by the Nigerian international broadcaster.
According to him, the partnership had expanded the station’s language offerings from eight to nine languages and strengthened media cooperation between both countries.
He praised China’s approach to preserving its cultural identity while embracing technological advancement, saying the country had successfully integrated modernisation with the protection of its heritage and traditions.
Ndace urged young Nigerians to respect cultural diversity and learn from other civilisations while maintaining their own identities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Voice of Nigeria to promoting intercultural dialogue and strengthening friendship between Nigeria and China through media collaboration and cultural diplomacy.
The event featured cultural exhibitions, virtual reality experiences and interactions aimed at promoting mutual understanding between the Chinese and Nigerian people.