Experiencing China — A new cultural exploration of Western China

Michael Smith
Jul 27, 2017 · 4 min read

A series of events titled “Experience China-Cultural Exploration of West China” is being held around the United Kingdom and Ireland. This is the first event of its kind in the UK with major support from the Chinese government.

It has been organized jointly by the State Council Information Office of China, the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the Chinese Embassy in Ireland and the Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh.

(Photography: Olive image Romeno)

The exhibition opening was attended by Lu Wei, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and China’s Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming.

The main events include Western Chinese song and dance performances, West China cultural heritage display and photo exhibition and West China documentary film screenings.

Colour of West China Photography and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition — China’s western photographic pavilion, Chinese photographers use their lenses to record the beautiful picture of western China.

It’s the first time such an event has been held around the UK and the festivities including two films with ‘Roof of the World’ focusing on southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.

The festivities are being held at The Mermaid Theatre in London before embarking on tour around the UK. The opening night has already seen over 600 guests so far.

Dancing in the Clouds Folk Singing and Dancing of West China — Ethnic music and dance performances in Western China — “ Dreaming clouds “ Young artists from Yunnan province song and dance troupe, with excellent acting, a vivid demonstration in Western China, including Tibetan, Miao, Yi, national life and scene.

China is a unified multi-ethnic country. Located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, China west part is inhabited by various ethnic groups. The experience China festival, presents an opportunity for Western China to take the centre stage.

It has been served as a land bridge connecting the East and the West since ancient times, where the world-renowned ancient Silk Road was first formed. The film “Roof of the World sets out to explore this through its documentary film.

Born in China length:80 minutes — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -Roof of the World — length:80 minutes

In history, Eastern and Western civilizations greeted, interacted and mixed with each other here, cultivating the splendid and diverse arts and cultures on this land.

Book exhibitions, free delivery of English books to more interested in the Chinese Western culture of British friends to provide a sound information and material literature.

The Experience China Cultural festival is part of The Belt and Road Initiative. A systematic project, which is being jointly built through consultation to meet the interests of all. Efforts are being made to integrate new development strategies of the countries involved along the Belt and Road. The Chinese government has already drafted and published the Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt. This includes the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road to promote the implementation of the Initiative, instill vigour and vitality into the ancient Silk Road connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. The aim is to work more closely to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and reach a new high and in many new and emerging forms.

Intangible cultural heritage hall, including the traditional Tibetan painting Tangka, engraved text, embroidery and other classic traditional culture
Intangible cultural heritage hall, including the traditional Tibetan painting Tangka, engraved text, embroidery and other classic traditional culture.

Below you can see some videos from the “Roof of the World” documentary created by Olive Image Stduio. To find out more about the film or if your have any questions about the documentary visit https://www.facebook.com/OliveImageStudio/

Michael Smith

Written by

I'm a freelance journalist living and studying in Birmingham. I have completed my degree at Birmingham City University and will now be studying a Masters @MyBCU

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