ISLAMABAD (DII NEWS) : With the fragrance of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) in the air and the rich aroma of realgar wine, the Dragon Boat Festival has arrived once again. Diplomatic envoys from dozens of countries gathered at the new headquarters of China National Aviation Fuel Group to take part in the Dragon Boat Festival Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Event.
The event was hosted by Asia Pacific Daily and China National Aviation Fuel Group Asset Development Co., Ltd., organized by the Culture and Arts Committee of Asia Pacific Think Tank and Fankong Symphony Orchestra, supported by Qingdao Changyao Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., with Guangdong Gold Group as the strategic partner.
Under the theme “Elegant Dragon Boat Festival, Romantic China,” the event consisted of three parts: intangible cultural heritage experiences, a concert, and a themed dinner.
Liu Lili, Editor-in-Chief of Asia Pacific Daily and Secretary-General of Asia Pacific Think Tank, said: “It is our great honor to use this event to share the beauty of Chinese-style romance with every friend present. This romance is not only the profound love for one’s country and family but also the poetic charm found in everyday life.”
Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China; H.E. Arthur Williams, Ambassador of Jamaica to China; H.E. Mapaballo Lydia Mile, Ambassador of Lesotho to China; as well as diplomats and friends from the Republic of Korea, South Sudan, Malaysia, Canada, Cuba, Indonesia, Turkey, Eritrea, the Philippines, Egypt, and other countries.
In his address, H.E. Hashmi said: “Today, we gather here through the Dragon Boat Festival, not only to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Chinese culture, but also to build a new bridge for cultural exchange between two countries. May our two cultures learn from and enrich one another through dialogue, and may the friendship between our two peoples grow ever deeper through connection.”
Jin Wensheng, Chairman of Asia Pacific Daily, remarked in his speech: “The presence of all our distinguished guests has infused great confidence and strong momentum into Asia Pacific Daily’s strategic vision of serving the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative through an integrated model of international communication, multicultural exchange, and global economic and trade cooperation.”
What a joy it is to have friends from afar! A representative from China National Aviation Fuel Group Asset Development Co., Ltd. said: “No matter how different our cultural backgrounds may be, our shared desire for exchange and cooperation, our pursuit of common development, and our cherishing of peace and friendship always bring us closely together. We are delighted to work with all our friends to create spaces for dialogue, generate more opportunities for collaboration, and implement more outstanding projects.”
Liang Yuliang, Deputy General Manager of Guangdong Gold Group (under Guangsheng Mining), said: “The power of culture lies in its resonance that transcends mountains and seas; the value of gold lies in its ability to break down the barriers of language. Our strategic cooperation with Asia Pacific Daily is precisely about opening a ‘golden door of culture’ to the world.”
As one of the event’s organizers, multiple directors and researchers from the Culture and Arts Committee of Asia Pacific Think Tank delivered spectacular performances. Artists including Zhang Tianfu, tenor of the China National Symphony Orchestra; Qin Qin, head of Fankong Symphony Orchestra; young singer Liu Jiajia; young pianist Li Gongyu; and violist Zhang Youran presented wonderful programs ranging from vocal performances to dance and instrumental music.
Wang Quanxing, Co-Chair of the Culture and Arts Committee of Asia Pacific Think Tank and Head of Suzhou Ballet Theatre, said: “With the strong support and promotion of Asia Pacific Daily, elite talents from all corners of the cultural and artistic world have joined us enthusiastically, greatly advancing the development of the Culture and Arts Committee. This has injected new energy and passion into our core missions of deepening cultural exchange between China and other countries, promoting the integration of civilizations, artistic innovation, talent development, and academic research in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Qin Qin, a director of the Culture and Arts Committee and head of Fankong Symphony Orchestra, also led the orchestra in a splendid performance. “Let the Dragon Boat Festival’s national style reach the world and convey Chinese-style romance globally. The children have gained both growth and cultural confidence through this experience,” she said.
During the event, Chinese and international guests immersed themselves in intangible cultural heritage activities including Manchu embroidery, guqin (ancient zither) playing, lacquer fan painting, and Xunpu floral headdress making. Together, everyone extended their best wishes for a happy Dragon Boat Festival and lasting friendship among all nations.
