The Foreign Affairs Office of the Government of Guangdong Province and the Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries jointly organized a cultural exchange event for consulate general officials and their families in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on March 11.

Approximately 60 guests attended the event. They visited the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Theater to learn about the national intangible cultural heritage art form, watched performances and participated in an interactive session.

Guests at the cultural exchange event for consulate general officials and their families in Guangzhou, Guangdong province [Photo/gdfao.gov.cn]

In her speech, Liu Chenzi, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province and president of the Guangdong People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, mentioned that the series of events held last year were well received by the consulates in Guangzhou.

She expressed hope that the event would further allow participants to fully appreciate the artistic charm of Cantonese Opera, thereby promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and other civilizations.

According to Zeng Xiaomin, president of the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Theater, the Cantonese Opera is the first regional opera in China to go global.

He said the theater is committed to exchanging and learning from theatrical performances worldwide. Having performed in over 20 countries, including the United States and Germany, it aims to reach more countries and regions, enhancing cultural and artistic exchanges between Guangdong and the world, he added.

Guests dress in traditional opera costumes and experience Cantonese Opera movements. [Photo/gdfao.gov.cn]

During the event, consulate officials and their families also toured the exhibitions hosted by the theater to learn about the history of Cantonese Opera and observe its instruments, costumes, and props up close. They also enjoyed classic Cantonese Opera excerpts and, with the assistance of theater instructors, tried out the techniques of water sleeves and prop skills.

Additionally, they dressed in traditional opera costumes and experienced Cantonese Opera movements under the guidance of Ni Huiying, vice-president of the Chinese Society for Theatre Performance, and Zeng Xiaomin.

As the event contributed to the promotion of cultural exchange and mutual learning, guests expressed their expectations for more opportunities to participate in similar cultural exchange activities in the future.