On the afternoon of 28 September 2018, Huaqiao College of the Open University of China (OUC) launched the “Sino-African Culture and Art Exchange” activity in Chengdu. More than seventy people, including international guests from Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria who are currently living in the city, as well as local citizens from art groups and foreign language classes, attended the event.

Zhao Gang, secretary of the Party Committee of Chengdu Radio and TV University (Chengdu RTVU) and director of OUC Huaqiao College, also attended the event. Zhao expressed his thanks to the African attendees for introducing African cultures to Chengdu citizens and enhancing their knowledge and understanding of Africa. Zhao hopes that more exchange activities can be held between the local citizens and the African friends living in the city in order to expand communication and enhance interpersonal connections.

The activity is comprised of two parts, cultural exhibition and art exchange. People from Uganda and Ghana presented colourful African customs using pictures, texts, and acting. Some of the local citizens also shared their knowledge and understanding of Africa from their personal experiences in African countries. Art exchanges between African people and the local citizens woven at the event also greatly enriched the activity. A performance combining African drums and the graceful Chinese dulcimer and passionate African dance with gentle Chinese folk dance overcame the barriers of nations and languages. Both the African and Chinese guests enjoyed the activities and said that they were sad that it had to come to end.

China is one of the largest developing countries in the world and Africa is a continent with a large number of developing countries. The OUC Huaqiao College hopes to use the integration of culture and language to encourage the dissemination of Sichuan culture and contribute to making Chengdu into a world famous cultural city, as well as to promote the city’s international impact and reputation.

By Chengdu RTVU