Chinese kids and teenagers from Cathay Future Children Art Troupe have been helping spread Chinese culture to 100 countries through art.

Cathay Future is a children's art center in Tianjin. The reputed school is devoted to cultivating children in a natural and happy environment.

April 26 marked the 20th anniversary of Cathay Future's Foundation[MT1] . A significant celebration was held, featuring the successful conclusion of its world tour spanning from 1995 to 2013. The world tour kicked off in Indonesia and wrapped up in Qatar in February this year, covering 2.29 million kilometers. The art troupe visited 100 countries worldwide in a bid to spread Chinese culture and do charity in disadvantaged areas.

A troupe member fondly recounted her experience in South Africa in 2003.

"Our second day in South Africa fell on the eve of Spring Festival, a precious reunion time when we miss our families," she said. "Thankfully, Mr. Zhao (head of the art troupe) was so thoughtful. He sensed our grief and asked permission from a restaurant owner to let everyone make calls home."

"The owner agreed, allowing us to call home one by one at around midnight."

"You know what," her eyes lit up, "Mr. Zhao even passed out red envelopes to us!"

Another girl reminisced about anecdotes she exchanged with World War II veterans in a 2008 visit to Vinnytsya, Ukraine.

"These legendary veterans were standing just in front of me, glittering decorations peppering their uniforms. I won't forget joining them in the grand parade commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the war's victory," she glowed. "We sang and clapped, dancing hand in hand, oblivious to their grey hairs and old age."

Around 130 retired Chinese ambassadors were invited and met with art troupes for the celebration. They saw first hand Cathay Future's progress in the past 20 years.

The main tour organizer Li Jianying, who was once a Chinese ambassador to Suriname and Qatar, said that the troupe paid its visit to Suriname in March 1999.