Jilin artists on a cultural mission in Botswana

The Jilin Art Troupe presented a grand show in Gaborone, capital ofBotswana,January 29 to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival which falls on February 5 this year.  

About 1,500 people, including Chinese ambassador to Botswana Zhao Yanbo and Botswanian Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Unity Dow attended the show.

It’s part of the cultural program“Happy Chinese New Year” organized by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

China and Botswana enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges which has reached a new high after Botswanian President Mokgweetsi Masisi attended the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and paid a state visit to China, noted Su Wei, deputy director of Jilin Province Department of Culture and Tourism in her opening speech.

Su pointed out that the Jilin Art Troupe was composed of most-gifted artists from the northeast province, hoping to convey the best wishes from Jilin people to their Chinese compatriots and the Botswanian people.

Dances Phoenix under the Sun, Shining Ice and The Dancing Red-Crowned Cranes perfectly illustrated the natural beauty of Jilin. Peking opera The Heavenly Maid Scatters Blossoms and At the Crossroads mesmerized the locals with traditional Chinese culture.

Botswanian artists also staged a merry traditional dance which was warmly received.

A photography exhibit promoting Jilin tourism was held on the sidelines of the show.

The Jilin Art Troupe treated overseas Chinese in Botswana to a fascinating performance at the Spring Festival Reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana the next day.