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Abu Dhabi, December 15, 2024 – Marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the United Arab Emirates, the China Symphony Orchestra delivered a landmark performance at the Emirate Palace Hotel Theatre in Abu Dhabi on December 14. Invited by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, the concert was attended by a distinguished audience including Chinese Ambassador to the UAE Zhang Yiming and his wife Zhu Naizhen, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation Chair Hu Da and his spouse, Sharjah’s Princess Lubna, and Yin Bo, deputy leader of the China Symphony Orchestra. The event also welcomed UAE political and business leaders, cultural figures, nearly 20 ambassadors from various nations, representatives from Chinese-funded institutions, educators, and close to a thousand Chinese expatriate students. Serving as the grand finale of a series of diplomatic events and the closing performance for the 2024 Abu Dhabi International Festival’s China Guest Country activities, the concert featured an impressive lineup. Conducted by Jing Huan, the orchestra’s permanent conductor, and featuring Paganini International Violin Competition champion Ning Feng as the soloist, this performance marked the China Symphony Orchestra’s first full-scale tour in the Middle East. The evening commenced with renditions of both countries’ national anthems, followed by a collaborative performance of “Yabahar,” a composition by renowned UAE composer Ihab, alongside a local Emirati ensemble, which garnered enthusiastic applause. The audience was then moved by the classic “Butterfly Lovers” concerto and the melodious “Arabian Nights,” inspired by the legendary tales of “One Thousand and One Nights,” offering an enchanting musical journey. In the concert’s finale, the orchestra returned to the stage to perform “Russian Dance” and “Jasmine” in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra, bringing the evening to a triumphant close amid warm applause. Concurrently, the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the UAE China Cultural Center hosted a Sino-Arab Friendship Photo Exhibition alongside the concert, showcasing the rich cultural collaborations between the two nations. The event was covered by major media outlets including People’s Daily, Xinhua, China Central Television, Economic Daily, China-Arab Satellite TV, UAE News Agency, and Ain News, highlighting the strong cultural and diplomatic bonds between China and the UAE.

Dubai, UAE — On December 9, the Chinese Consulate General in Dubai, in collaboration with the Hebei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the UAE China Cultural Center, hosted the “Meet Hebei – Chinese Consulate General Intangible Cultural Heritage Open Day” event. Over 100 guests attended, including dignitaries, academics, students, and representatives of Chinese and international enterprises in Dubai. The event highlighted the rich intangible cultural heritage of Hebei Province, showcasing a vibrant blend of craftsmanship, music, and artistry. Attendees included Ou Boqian, the Consul General of China in Dubai; Li Xinjie, Deputy Director of Hebei’s Department of Culture and Tourism; Dr. Al Naqbi, Chancellor of Khorfakkan University; and Hussein, Principal of Dubai Charity School, along with faculty and students from the University of Dubai, University of Sharjah, and Fujairah University. Cultural Diplomacy Strengthening Ties In her opening remarks, Consul General Ou Boqian emphasized the importance of intangible cultural heritage as a cornerstone of a nation’s identity and history. “Passed down through generations, these traditions embody the ingenuity and wisdom of the Chinese people. They reflect the harmony between humanity and nature that lies at the heart of Chinese philosophy,” she noted. Ou also underscored the significance of the event in the broader context of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. “Through activities like this, we aim to foster cultural exchange and deepen the understanding and friendship between our two peoples,” she said. Li Xinjie echoed these sentiments, highlighting Hebei Province’s cultural richness. “Hebei is a gateway for international friends to explore China’s history and culture. With its stunning natural scenery, historic landmarks, and diverse folk traditions, Hebei offers a vivid portrait of our heritage,” he said. An Interactive Journey into Chinese Artistry The event offered an immersive experience, with six artisans from Hebei demonstrating traditional crafts, including: Guests were invited to try their hand at these crafts while hearing stories of their cultural significance and evolution. Mesmerizing Performances Captivate Audience The celebration also featured a series of traditional performances that enthralled the audience. Highlights included: Strengthening Cultural Bridges The event concluded with widespread praise from attendees. Representatives of Chinese enterprises and local institutions expressed admiration for the depth and beauty of Hebei’s cultural heritage. The day was seen as a meaningful step in enhancing the cultural dialogue between China and the UAE, resonating with the theme of shared humanity and mutual respect. As the UAE and China continue to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties, events like “Meet Hebei” underscore the enduring power of culture to connect hearts across borders.

The Chinese Spring Festival, one of the world’s most vibrant and cherished celebrations, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The announcement came on December 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in recognizing the festival’s profound cultural and global significance. A Celebration of Family, Harmony, and Renewal The Spring Festival, also known as Lunar New Year, is celebrated by millions worldwide. It is famed for its rich traditions, including dragon dances, dazzling lantern displays, and sumptuous feasts. Central to the festival is the Chunyun, or “spring migration,” the largest human migration on Earth, as families reunite to welcome the new year together. “The Spring Festival is a celebration of hope and renewal,” UNESCO noted in its announcement. “Its traditions emphasize harmony, happiness, and the enduring bonds of family, making it a cornerstone of intangible cultural heritage.” A Legacy of Timeless Traditions Spanning 15 days, the festival culminates with the Lantern Festival, a breathtaking display of illuminated artistry. Customs such as setting off firecrackers, enjoying symbolic dishes like dumplings, and exchanging hongbao (red envelopes) reflect the depth of its cultural heritage. The festival’s inclusion on UNESCO’s list highlights its universal values. It is celebrated not only in China but also in communities around the world, from Singapore to San Francisco, uniting diverse cultures in a shared embrace of new beginnings. Global Recognition, Shared Joy The designation is seen as a testament to the Spring Festival’s role in fostering cultural understanding and connection. Chinese officials hailed the announcement as a proud moment for their heritage, while UNESCO emphasized the importance of preserving such traditions for future generations. As the world prepares to welcome the Year of the Dragon in 2024, this recognition adds an extra layer of significance to the celebrations. For many, it is not just a festival—it is a powerful reminder of the enduring ties that connect people across time and borders.

Beijing, China – December 2024 The highly anticipated mascot for the 2025 Chinese New Year, the “Lucky Snake,” has been revealed, showcasing a captivating blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern design. The unveiling comes as part of China’s global “Happy Chinese New Year” campaign, an initiative by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to promote Chinese heritage and strengthen cultural ties worldwide. A Symbol of Good Fortune and Health The Lucky Snake is steeped in symbolism, drawing inspiration from the iconic “snake holding a lingzhi,” a motif in traditional Chinese art representing health, longevity, and good fortune. Designed with innovation and modern aesthetics, the mascot combines these traditional elements with vibrant colors and intricate patterns that resonate with both young and old audiences. Key highlights of the design include: Traditional Colors with a Modern Twist The mascot’s color scheme balances festive red and gold, emblematic of good luck and joy, with modern touches of blue and green, reflecting vitality and the promise of new beginnings. This harmonious blend bridges China’s rich heritage with contemporary design sensibilities, ensuring broad appeal both domestically and internationally. A Global Cultural Campaign The “Happy Chinese New Year” initiative, under which the Lucky Snake will feature prominently, is a cornerstone of China’s cultural diplomacy. Launched annually, it brings festive celebrations, cultural showcases, and interactive activities to communities around the world. “This mascot embodies the essence of the Spring Festival — harmony, health, and joy,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “The Lucky Snake will be a symbol of goodwill, fostering deeper cultural connections as we celebrate the Lunar New Year together.” Spreading Joy Across Borders As part of the campaign, the mascot will feature in various global events, from parades in major cities to interactive workshops showcasing Chinese heritage. Activities like traditional painting, lantern-making, and tea-tasting will provide hands-on experiences for attendees. The Lucky Snake represents not just the dawn of a new zodiac year, but a broader effort to share the vibrancy and warmth of Chinese culture with the world. As 2025 approaches, the Lucky Snake is set to slither into hearts worldwide, spreading wishes for a year filled with peace, health, and prosperity.

Dubai, UAE – October 8, 2024 A major initiative aimed at fostering deeper tourism ties between China and Arab nations was unveiled at the “Nihao! China — Ten Million Tourists Exchange Plan” promotional event in Dubai. Organized by the UAE China Cultural Center, the gathering brought together over 80 representatives from 15 leading airlines and 30 prominent tourism companies from both regions, underscoring the growing focus on enhancing tourism collaboration. 10 Million Tourists: A Vision for the Next Five Years China’s Consul General in Dubai, Ou Boqian, highlighted the ambitious goal of 10 million mutual tourist visits between China and Arab countries over the next five years, as announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. In her keynote address, Consul General Ou emphasized the transformative role of tourism in fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding: “We hope tourism professionals from China and the UAE will work together to encourage visitors from across the globe, including our Emirati friends, to explore China’s unique cultural heritage, witness its rapid development, and experience the hospitality of the Chinese people.” Promoting Chinese Tourism and Breaking Barriers The event outlined key aspects of the “Ten Million Tourists Exchange Plan” and included a preview of the upcoming 2024 China International Travel Mart, which extends invitations to global tourism stakeholders. Attendees engaged in discussions on enhancing Gulf country tourism to China, informed by the latest studies and route recommendations tailored for Gulf travelers. Representatives from China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism presented new policies aimed at addressing bottlenecks in inbound tourism, with measures designed to improve travel convenience and elevate the quality of services for international visitors. Forging Industry Collaborations Participants included leading airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, and Gulf Air. Travel giants like Kanoo Group, Al Rais Travel, and E-STAR Travel added weight to discussions on collaborative strategies to boost tourism between China and the Middle East. This gathering underscored a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and opening new avenues for travel and cultural exchange. By leveraging these partnerships, the initiative aims to make the ambitious goal of 10 million tourist visits a reality, marking a new chapter in China-Arab relations.