Artists of 37 countries participate in international culture Festival

Yang Yan, China's landscape painter and organizor of the Duyi International Cultural Festival.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Artists, diplomats, and business people from 37 countries have introduced their unique cultures through various ways in Beijing over the weekend.

More than 1,000 people participated in the opening ceremony of the 3rd Duyi International Culture Festival on Saturday in Gotrues, a compound in eastern Beijing that is dedicated in art exhibition and trade.

The event, which themed Clash of Cultures, aims to enhance cross-culture communication, says Yang Yan, a well-known Chinese landscape painter. The annual event was started three years ago by Yang and his wife Ada Yang, who is from Sierra Leone and also founder of the Queenmark Foundation.

Yang Yan says since their marriage is cross-culture, he sees more importance of cross-culture communication, so they want to help China and the other cultures to understand each other better.

Ada Yang was also awarded 10,000 yuan by the Gotrues for her contribution to China-Africa cultural exchanges.

The event displayed different cultures of 37 countries through singing and dancing performances, fashion shows magic performance and so on. There was also a large exhibition center with different countries showcasing their food, artworks and handicrafts.

Moreover, it also launches charity projects. Yonghe King, a Chinese fast food restaurant chains, has decided to support 1,000 children’s education in African countries.

Sierra Leone’s ambassador to China and China’s Peking Opera master Sun Yumin also attended this event.

As part of the festival, Yang Yan also holds an exhibition of his landscape works. The festival lasts until Monday.