By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — Cultural exchange between Nigeria and China received fresh attention in Abuja on Saturday as officials, cultural enthusiasts and visitors gathered for an exhibition showcasing Chinese traditions, customs and everyday life.
The 2026 “Seasonal Life & Harmonious China” Cultural Exhibition, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, featured traditional performances, cultural displays and interactive activities aimed at strengthening people-to-people understanding between Nigeria and China.
The exhibition highlighted the shared values that exist between the two societies despite differences in language, geography and cultural practices, including the importance of family, community, respect for nature and harmonious living.
Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, Yang Jianxing, said cultural relations had become an increasingly important component of the Nigeria-China partnership.
Yang noted that the exhibition was particularly significant in 2026, which marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and has been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He said bilateral cooperation had expanded beyond traditional areas to include culture, education, tourism and youth development, creating more opportunities for citizens of both countries to better understand one another.
According to him, the exhibition was built around the traditional Chinese practice of organising aspects of life around seasonal changes.
A major feature of the programme was the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, an ancient Chinese system for understanding seasonal and natural changes and their influence on agriculture and everyday life.
Yang explained that the principles associated with the solar terms—including respect for nature, responsible use of resources and harmonious coexistence—also have similarities with values found in Nigerian cultural traditions.
The exhibition therefore served not only as a platform for showcasing Chinese heritage but also as an opportunity to identify cultural similarities between Nigerians and Chinese.
Deputy General Manager of China Intercontinental Press and Media Limited, Guan Hong, described the programme as an example of how cultural engagement could help bridge differences and promote mutual understanding.
Guan said the exhibition was connected to Liqiu, the traditional Chinese solar term marking the beginning of autumn and a period associated with crop maturation and anticipation of harvest.
She said the theme was particularly relevant to an event focused on cultural exchange, cooperation and the shared aspirations of the Nigerian and Chinese peoples.
Visitors explored five interactive sections showcasing different aspects of Chinese culture and daily life, including traditional customs, clothing, food, architectural craftsmanship and wellness practices.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, said the exhibition reflected the broader evolution of Nigeria-China relations.
Muhammed noted that bilateral cooperation was no longer confined to conventional economic activities but was increasingly extending into areas such as agriculture, scientific research, technology and innovation.
The Abuja exhibition provided visitors with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into Chinese culture while reinforcing the growing role of people-to-people connections in strengthening Nigeria-China relations.
As both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, cultural diplomacy continues to provide an avenue for Nigerians and Chinese citizens to build greater understanding and discover shared values beyond government-to-government engagement.
