In a vibrant display of cultural diplomacy, CGC Nigeria Limited on Monday hosted a traditional Chinese Pingtan art performance in Abuja, spotlighting the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties between China and Nigeria.
The performance, delivered by the renowned Wuxi Pingtan Troupe from Jiangsu Province, captivated an audience of Nigerian dignitaries, diplomats, media professionals, and cultural enthusiasts. The event underscored ongoing efforts by both nations to deepen people-to-people connections and foster mutual understanding through the arts.
Speaking on behalf of CGC Nigeria, Jiang Wei, the company’s Deputy Managing Director, emphasized the symbolic significance of the event, describing it as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.
“Through this event, we aim to deepen cultural cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen trust between our two nations,” he said.
The Chinese Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, described Pingtan as one of the most cherished traditional Chinese folk arts — a cultural “shining pearl” with roots tracing back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
“Pingtan seamlessly blends storytelling, opera, and music. It reflects the richness of China’s cultural heritage and serves as a bridge for global understanding,” Yang noted.
In his remarks, Shen Jie, Deputy Director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, highlighted the emotional resonance of Pingtan, performed in the gentle Suzhou dialect and accompanied by traditional string instruments.
“Each lyric paints vivid images of life, love, and history, resonating like gentle ripples in a stream,” Shen said.
The event, which forms part of broader China-Africa cultural outreach, featured standout performances such as Wuxi Scenery, Family Letters from Dangkou, A Lovely Jasmine, and The Moon Over the River on a Spring Night.
The initiative represents a broader global trend of using cultural heritage as soft power to build international relationships and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
