Dancers perform a Dunhuang dance in Tunisia. [Photo/Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism]

A cultural delegation from Gansu presented a special performance in Tunisia on Jan 31 and Feb 1 to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. The event highlighted the rich artistic heritage of the Silk Road and Dunhuang in particular, one of the most famous stops on this ancient trading route.

The performances were attended by over 300 distinguished guests, including Tunisia's Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti, Culture Minister Amina Srarfi, Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wan Li, other diplomats and cultural representatives, and overseas Chinese, along with nearly 1,500 local residents.

Before the show, promotional videos and photo exhibitions introduced Gansu province's cultural and natural landscapes, generating strong local interest. Ambassador Wan Li highlighted the shared values between the Chinese and Tunisian civilizations, and emphasized the importance of pressing on with cultural exchange for mutual benefit.

The program featured classical Silk Road dances, including the Dunhuang-inspired flying apsaras, as well as traditional Chinese arts such as Sichuan face-changing, acrobatics, and folk music.

A memorable moment came when the Chinese musicians performed a well-known Tunisian melody, which was warmly received by the audience, reflecting mutual cultural appreciation.

The visit also included some media engagements as well as a meeting at the Chinese embassy. The event successfully promoted Gansu's culture and strengthened people-to-people ties between China and Tunisia.