Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges as the China Cultural Centre in Abuja hosted the 2026 “Seasonal Life & Harmonious China” Cultural Exhibition on Saturday.
The event featured cultural performances, exhibitions of Chinese cultural items and interactive activities showcasing aspects of China’s traditional way of life, providing Nigerian guests with an opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage.
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 the peoples of Nigeria and China.
Yang noted that 2026 is significant for bilateral relations as it marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He said both countries are ancient civilizations with rich and diverse cultural traditions, adding that exchanges in culture, education, tourism and youth affairs have expanded considerably in recent years.
According to him, these interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and contributed to the consolidation of the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“The exhibition was built around the traditional Chinese concept of “seasonal life,” with displays centred on the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, traditional delicacies, intangible cultural heritage crafts and other activities designed to introduce visitors to Chinese cultural practices,” Yang said.
He explained that the Twenty-Four Solar Terms represent the wisdom developed by ancient Chinese people through their observation of nature and reflect values centred on respecting nature, conserving resources and pursuing a harmonious way of life.
Yang said these values have points of convergence with Nigerian traditions that emphasise respect for nature, cultural heritage, family and community.
He expressed the hope that the exhibition would encourage more Nigerians to experience Chinese culture firsthand and contribute to deeper cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Also speaking, Guan Hong, Deputy General Manager of China Intercontinental Press and Media Limited, said cultural exchanges and mutual learning have enriched civilizations and strengthened bonds between peoples.
Guan noted that the year 2026 also marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, describing the longstanding relationship between the two countries as a friendship that has endured changes in the international environment.
She said the exhibition drew inspiration from Liqiu, or the beginning of autumn, one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar.
According to her, Liqiu traditionally represents the beginning of autumn and is associated with the ripening of crops and the approaching harvest.
Guan said the exhibition was designed around five interactive zones showcasing different aspects 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, used the occasion to highlight the expanding scope of Nigeria-China cooperation beyond cultural exchanges.
Muhammed said the principle of harmony reflected in the exhibition also offered an appropriate metaphor for the growing strategic relationship between Nigeria and China.
He noted that bilateral cooperation was increasingly extending into agriculture, science, technology and innovation, describing the partnership as one with significant opportunities for both countries.
