The China Cultural Centre in Abuja has showcased aspects of China’s rich cultural heritage as Nigeria and China seek to deepen cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
The centre hosted the 2026 “Seasonal Life & Harmonious China” Cultural Exhibition on Saturday, featuring cultural performances, displays of Chinese cultural items and interactive activities designed to give Nigerian guests firsthand experience of traditional Chinese culture.
Speaking at the event, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, Yang Jianxing, described cultural exchange as an important bridge for promoting mutual understanding, friendship and dialogue between Nigerians and Chinese.
Yang noted that 2026 was particularly significant for Nigeria-China relations, as it marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He said cultural, educational, tourism and youth exchanges between Nigeria and China had expanded significantly in recent years, strengthening mutual understanding and contributing to the consolidation of the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
According to Yang, the exhibition was centred on the traditional Chinese concept of “seasonal life,” with activities and displays highlighting the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, traditional delicacies, intangible cultural heritage crafts and other elements of Chinese cultural practices.
He explained that the Twenty-Four Solar Terms reflected the wisdom of ancient Chinese people in observing nature, while promoting values such as respect for the natural environment, conservation of resources and harmonious living.
Yang also identified similarities between those values and Nigerian traditions that place emphasis on respect for nature, cultural heritage, family and community.
He expressed the hope that the exhibition would encourage more Nigerians to experience Chinese culture and further strengthen cultural cooperation between both countries.
Also speaking, Deputy General Manager of China Intercontinental Press and Media Limited, Guan Hong, said cultural exchanges and mutual learning had contributed to the enrichment of civilisations and strengthened bonds between peoples.
Guan said the 55-year relationship between Nigeria and China had remained resilient despite changes in the international environment, describing it as a longstanding friendship.
She explained that the exhibition drew inspiration from Liqiu, or the beginning of autumn, one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar, traditionally associated with the ripening of crops and the approaching harvest.
According to her, the exhibition featured five interactive zones showcasing different dimensions of traditional Chinese culture and lifestyle, including culture, attire, nature-aligned cuisine, traditional mortise-and-tenon architecture and wellness practices.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, meanwhile, highlighted the expanding scope of Nigeria-China cooperation beyond cultural relations.
Muhammed said the principle of harmony reflected in the exhibition offered an appropriate representation of the growing strategic relationship between Nigeria and China.
He noted that bilateral cooperation was increasingly extending into agriculture, science, technology and innovation, creating significant opportunities for both countries.
The exhibition thus provided a platform for cultural understanding while reinforcing the broader Nigeria-China partnership, with both countries looking to expand people-to-people exchanges alongside cooperation in strategic sectors.
