Thousands join in the festival spirit in Egypt

People in Cairo enjoyed Chinese cultural activities on Feb 5 at the Maadi Island Park along the River Nile in Cairo. It is the sixth year that Egyptians have taken part in the annual Happy Spring Festival. [Photo by Yu Yao/China Daily]

He can sing several Chinese pop songs and loves to listen to Chinese pop music. It's easy for him to find information about China and its culture online.

The 21-year-old said he wanted to be a tourist guide after graduation as more and more Chinese people are traveling to Egypt.

Liu, the executive director of the China Culture Center in Cairo, said that as well as the festival, a song and dance gala featuring both Chinese and Egyptian artists was also being staged as part of the celebrations for New Year.

With increasing exchanges between China and other countries, people across the globe seem to be paying more attention to China's festivals. Last year, 321 cities in 112 countries around the world held Happy Spring Festivals organized by China's Ministry of Culture.

"The activity is a good way for Egyptians to experience Chinese culture as more and more locals are eager to know more about China," added Liu.

The most popular attraction at the fair was the performance of Chinese kung fu. Liu said the kung fu class provided by the China Culture Center in Cairo was so hot that when a class for 50 people opens, it fills up quickly. The number of people who have learned Chinese in the culture center is more than 8,000 since its launch in 2002.

"Although the language is still an obstacle, it can't influence the rising popularity of Chinese culture in Egypt," said Liu, adding that the sight of local people waiting in line to take photos with Chinese tourists perfectly illustrated their interest in the ancient oriental country.

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