Recently, at the venue of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, many African friends encountered traditional Chinese culture and experienced the charm of China.
In the corridor at the entrance of the summit's press center, several side-by-side booths displayed exquisite and eye-catching cultural exhibits. Journalists from China and abroad sat in the corresponding experience areas, with some fully focused on their handicrafts, while others enthusiastically engaged in conversation and interaction.
Among the many booths, the face masks designed with "Wukong" as the creative theme attracted considerable attention. "This is my first cultural experience since coming to China," said a media friend from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although they didn't have time to finish painting, they learned a lot about intangible cultural heritage and felt their trip was rewarding.
"Using a brush dipped in paint to draw a monkey face mask, our African friends found it challenging at first, but as they gradually got the hang of it, they found it very interesting. Some even put on the masks and asked us to take photos as souvenirs," said Lin Hongkui, a representative inheritor of Beijing's colored clay Peking Opera masks. In addition to the painting experience, QR codes were placed beside works like the "Five-Colored Masks" at the booth, allowing visitors to listen to Peking Opera excerpts by scanning them. This is an innovative exploration of ways to promote traditional handicrafts and the national treasure of Peking Opera.
At the booth displaying the filigree inlay craftsmanship, a number of palace-style filigree inlay accessories were on display. Two African friends were weaving braid-like crafts in front of a vise. While enjoying the weaving experience, Chinese and foreign journalists, especially African friends, can appreciate the craftsmanship spirit behind this delicate goldwork and the charm of Chinese culture.
The grand finale of the corridor exhibition was the themed display of eco-friendly cultural products from the Palace Museum. Many African friends showed great interest in trying out the cultural and creative products at the booth.
"This booth is assembled in the shape of a Chinese sundial using corrugated paper and traditional mortise and tenon joints, with the twelve Chinese time periods engraved on it. The products on display are eco-friendly cultural items from the Palace Museum, including scarves, flowerpots, and bookmarks made from environmentally friendly materials such as plastic bottles, coffee grounds, and fallen leaves," said Wang Yijin, a volunteer from Peking University. She told reporters that this not only carries forward China's excellent traditional culture but also aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to the cultural experience activities, journalists also encountered many African friends at Xiushui Jie (St), where they were selecting and purchasing silk, porcelain, tea, and other products with a strong Chinese flavor, bringing gifts from China for themselves and their families.
"I really like China; it's a very beautiful place," said Tinu from Nigeria, who was enthusiastically trying on a red mamian skirt and happily learning to say "hello" and "beautiful" in Chinese.
"Recently, Xiushui Jie (St) has welcomed a large number of African friends who have been attracted by the cultural experiences here, such as traditional Chinese medicine and tea ceremonies, as well as the exquisite 'Beijing Gifts,'" said Dong Qing, president of Beijing Xiushuijie Commercial Management Co., Ltd. "We hope that through these activities, African friends can better understand and experience China."
Translator: NIU Lihua
Reviewer: DING Zhizhong
