Chinese Opera

Chinese Acrobatics

Chinese Shadow Show

Chinese Dance and Music

Chinese Puppet Art

Chinese Performing Arts

Spiritual civilization, like material civilization, belongs to the whole of mankind. The fine literary and artistic works of any country and nation are the common wealth of mankind and part of the world trdasure-house of culture. As the famous Chinese writer Lu Xun said, 'It is better for mankind not to be estranged from each other but to show concern for each other. The smoothest way to achieve the aim is the interflow of art.' The exchanges of culture and art are not only educational, but also bring people closer together. Such exchanges provide an opportunity for cultural cross-fertilization, enrich the culture and arts of different countries and enchance mutual understanding and friendship among all peoples.

China is a multi-national country with an ancient civilization, a long history and a brilliant culture. Our people of different nationalities have, over several thousand years of labour and struggle, created hundreds of diverse forms of performing arts with each form having a host of schools and styles. This is an inexhaustible treasure with which to promote exchanges of art.

More than 2,000 years ago, China already had cultural contacts with other countries. Episodes of our forefathers crossing mountains and seas to seek friendship and inwledge are well remembered. Since the birth of new China , the government has attached great importance to cultural exchanges between China and other countries. It formulated the policy of 'making the past serve the present' and 'foreign things serve China,' and established special organizations to promote the cultural exchanges through various channels.

In the past 35 years, we have sent 429 art troupes to 138 countries and regions, performing such form of art as Beijing Opera, local operas, acrobatics, Chinese instrumental musie, dance dramas, songs and dances, ballet, symphonic music, modern drama puppet and shadow shows, comic dialogue, and quyi (ballad singing and story-telling). Their distinct national characteristics, artistic skills, unique styles and human interest have won the hearts of audiences all over the world. As cultural envoys of the Chinese people, they have been welcomed by both governments and peoples everywhere. The heads of state or government in many countries watched performances given by Chinese art troupes. The performance tours have made positive contributions to promoting the relationships between China and other countries and enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and the people of other lands.

In the past 35 years , we have also enthusiastically received 470 visits of artists and art troupes from 78 countries and regions. Many of them are world-renowned. The variegated art forms, schools and styles blossoming on the Chinese stage have not only enriched the cultural life of our peopte but have also greatly widened the horizons of our literary and art professionals.

We shall be more than happy to develop closer co-operation with friends and colleagues throughout the world so as to strengthen the exchanges of culture and art among all nations.