Latest news with #Saudi-ChineseCulturalYear
The Star
13-05-2025
- The Star
China's Yunnan launches cultural exhibition in Saudi capital, spotlighting heritage, tourism ties
RIYADH, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China's Yunnan Province opened a cultural exhibition in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday, featuring UNESCO World Heritage displays, traditional craft demonstrations, and a symbolic fusion of tea and coffee culture, as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year. The event, held at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, drew hundreds of Saudi officials, diplomats, and local residents. Titled "A Life Called Yunnan," the exhibition highlighted striking photographs of the province's natural and cultural landmarks, including the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas and the Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er -- both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The latter was inscribed during the UNESCO conference hosted in Riyadh in 2023. Saudi visitors were drawn to Yunnan's lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, with many expressing interest in its ecotourism potential. The tourism segment of the exhibition underlined centuries-old connections between China and the Arabian Peninsula, referencing the 15th-century voyages of Zheng He. Born in Yunnan, the Ming Dynasty admiral and diplomat led maritime expeditions that reached the Red Sea and Arabia, laying early foundations for trade and cultural exchange. Parallels were also drawn between the historic waterways of Yunnan's Lijiang and the old districts of Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, with Saudi travel agencies expressing interest in developing tour packages tailored to the Chinese province. Artisans from Yunnan's Yi and Bai ethnic groups demonstrated traditional embroidery and indigo tie-dye crafts. Other exhibitors showcased silver-inlaid copperware, a practice recognized as national intangible cultural heritage in China. Guests were served Yunnan's renowned Pu'er tea alongside Arabica coffee grown in the province, which is China's largest coffee-producing region due to its favorable weather and soil conditions. Organizers described the pairing as a "dialogue between traditions," symbolizing a deeper cultural connection. "Saudi coffee is part of our identity, but Yunnan's beans have a unique smoothness. There's potential here," said Saudi vlogger Abdullah Majed. The exhibition coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua said the event helped "advance mutual understanding through shared heritage." Zeng Yan, a senior official from Yunnan, outlined plans for enhanced cooperation, including a World Heritage Voyage Program for Saudi tourists, youth exchange initiatives, and joint archaeological projects focused on Zheng He's journeys to the Red Sea. Home to more than half of China's plant and vertebrate species, Yunnan is regarded as the country's most biodiverse and culturally rich province. It hosts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is known for its vibrant ethnic traditions, including the Water Splashing Festival of the Dai people.
Leaders
06-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
CRIK Attends 5th China-Arab Reform and Development Forum in Shanghai
The Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge took part in the Fifth China-Arab States Forum on Reform and Development, held in Shanghai under the theme 'Implementing Global Development Initiatives and Promoting China-Arab Cooperation Towards a New Direction.' The forum served as a platform to strengthen knowledge exchange and collaboration between China and Arab nations. Abdulrahman Marshood, Director of the Cultural Studies Unit at the Center, emphasized that successful development projects must begin by shaping the cultural landscape in which they operate. He also argued that development should not be confined to agreements and contracts alone but must also include a strong cultural foundation. 'Culture acts as a catalyst for innovation and a wellspring of inspiration,' he stated. Marshood also pointed to the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year as a significant opportunity for fostering joint initiatives and creative collaboration. He noted that the initiative has paved the way for greater integration and knowledge sharing between the two nations. Moreover, highlighting the strategic importance of Saudi-Chinese ties, he described the relationship as one of the world's most dynamic partnerships—fueled by Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes cultural and economic diversification and investment beyond the oil sector. Related Topics : China-Arab States Cooperation Forum: Gaza War, Trade Dominate Talks Cooperation with China does not mean non-cooperation with USA: Saudi Foreign Minister Saudi Film Commission Participates in Shanghai International Film Festival 2024 Preview: Al-Ahli Eye Clinching Maiden Asian Glory Against Japan's Kawasaki Short link : Post Views: 9 Related Stories
Arab News
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Culture Ministry launches Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year
RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of a Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year for 2025 in China, to highlight the decades-long ties between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday. The year will feature a series of events designed to enrich the cultural landscapes of both nations, the SPA report stated. Last month, the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Saudi Embassy, organized a Founding Day celebration in Beijing. The event showcased Saudi Arabia's heritage with displays of traditional handicrafts and Arabic calligraphy. This year, the ministry's Visual Arts Commission is hosting an exhibition of renowned Saudi Arabia contemporary artist Ahmed Mater. Taking place from March 8 to July 8, 2025, at the UCCA Edge in Shanghai, the exhibition, titled 'Antenna,' marks the artist's first major solo show in China. Featuring over a hundred artworks, the show traces the artist's creative journey and offers a comprehensive view of his oeuvre. Mater is one of the most celebrated Saudi Arabia artists who has contributed significantly to the Kingdom's contemporary art scene and visual arts ecosystem. His work has been presented at several leading museums and institutions worldwide. In October 2024, the two nations' ministries signed a Saudi-China Cultural Year 2025 Executive Program, laying the foundation for a deepening of ties.
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Culture Ministry Launches Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year
The Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 in China, highlighting the strong, decades-long friendship and cooperation between the two nations. This cultural year marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cultural exchange, featuring a series of events designed to enrich the cultural landscapes of both Saudi Arabia and China, and to deepen the historical ties between their peoples. Last month, the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Saudi Embassy, organized a Founding Day celebration in Beijing. The event showcased Saudi heritage through artisan demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and displays of Arabic calligraphy. In celebration of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, the Ministry of Culture's Visual Arts Commission, in partnership with UCCA, is hosting an exhibition of renowned Saudi contemporary artist Ahmed Mater. Taking place from March 8 to July 8, 2025, at the UCCA Edge in Shanghai, the exhibition titled Antenna marks the artist's first major solo show in China. Featuring over a hundred artworks that represent Mater's artistic practice and cultural reflections, the show traces the artist's creative journey and offers a comprehensive view of his oeuvre. Mater is one of the most celebrated Saudi artists who has contributed significantly to the Kingdom's contemporary art scene and visual arts eco-system. His work has been presented in many notable museums and institutions, including Christie's in London in July 2024.
