China, Nigeria Boost Cultural Diplomacy at Grand Abuja Heritage Showcase

China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations through enhanced creative and cultural collaboration.

This was the focus of an immersive cultural event titled “Maritime Silk Road Impressions: Immersive Salon of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Ancient Zayton Port,” held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.

The event was jointly organised by the Embassy of China in Nigeria and the China Centre of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, bringing together diplomats, government officials, cultural stakeholders, artists, and enthusiasts for a showcase of traditional Chinese heritage.

Participants were treated to exhibitions and live demonstrations of Chinese cultural practices, including Gongfu tea brewing, Guqin musical performances, ceramic artistry, and traditional incense ceremonies.

Speaking at the event, Zhou Hongyou described tea as a powerful cultural symbol that has linked civilizations for centuries.

According to him, Chinese tea culture, which dates back more than 5,000 years, spread across continents through the ancient Silk Road and evolved into a medium for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

“Tea unites the world,” Zhou said, noting that China’s traditional tea processing techniques and associated social practices were inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2022.

He explained that the salon was designed to celebrate the spirit of the Maritime Silk Road, which historically connected Asia, Africa, and Europe through trade and cultural exchange.

Zhou also highlighted the historic Chinese city of Quanzhou, also known as Zayton, as one of the major departure points of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and a centre of global cultural interaction centuries ago.

According to him, the Silk Road transmitted not only goods such as silk, porcelain, and spices, but also values of peaceful cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual learning.

He added that those same values continue to shape contemporary China-Nigeria relations, especially under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Also speaking, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim commended the organisers for promoting cultural diplomacy between both nations.

Represented by Envadu Yohanna Ayaka, the permanent secretary said tea culture reflects values that resonate strongly with Nigerian traditions of hospitality, unity, and communal interaction.

“Tea is far more than a beverage; it is a vessel of history, a symbol of harmony and a medium of cultural exchange,” he said.
He further stated that the Nigerian government is working to support tea-related festivals, cultural hubs, agro-artistry initiatives, and bilateral cultural collaborations aimed at expanding Nigeria’s participation in the global creative economy.

The event also featured interactive sessions where guests explored Chinese tea traditions, incense culture, ceramic-making techniques, and classical Chinese music heritage.