Shenzhen Art Troupe dazzles at PNG's 50th independence anniversary celebrations

The city of Port Moresby was transformed into a vibrant showcase of Eastern art and culture on Sept. 16 as the Shenzhen Art Troupe delivered a stunning performance at the Amazing Port Moresby Arts & Music Festival, held in celebration of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 50th year of independence.

The performance, which captivated an audience of nearly 10,000 local spectators, was a highlight of the independence festivities and underscored the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between China and the Pacific nation. The art troupe’s visit was organized at the invitation of the National Capital District of Port Moresby — a friendly exchange city of Shenzhen — with strong support from the Chinese Embassy in PNG.

Prior to the show, Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Yang Xiaoguang, met with the delegation. He commended the achievements of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City in fostering exchanges and cooperation with PNG. Ambassador Yang emphasized that “friendship between peoples holds the key to sound state-to-state relations,” and expressed his hope that the tour would deepen bilateral people-to-people ties and inject new momentum into the relationship.

An acrobat performs on a pommel horse. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Art Troupe

The Shenzhen Art Troupe’s program, featuring a diverse array of traditional Chinese music, acrobatics, and dance, offered a vivid interpretation of the philosophy that “beauty is shared across diverse cultures.” The performance created a festive, cross-cultural atmosphere, with the audience cheering, dancing, and celebrating alongside the performers.

Distinguished attendees included the Governor of PNG’s National Capital District, Powes Parkop; Minister-Counselor Pang Hanzhao and Counselor Jiang Chengsen from the Chinese Embassy; Zhao Dong, Vice Chairman of the Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles; and representatives from the 14th Chinese Medical Team serving in PNG.

In his closing address, Governor Parkop expressed his profound gratitude to the Shenzhen Art Troupe for their participation in the historic celebrations. He spoke highly of the practical cooperation between Port Moresby and Shenzhen and reaffirmed his commitment to a friendly policy towards China, pledging to further deepen cooperation across various sectors for the mutual benefit of both peoples.

Attendees cheer and enjoy the stunning performances of the Shenzhen Art Troupe.

The cultural exchange is built on a foundation of sustained partnership. Since establishing a friendly exchange relationship in 2016, Shenzhen and Port Moresby have achieved a series of practical outcomes in official exchanges, cultural interactions, and economic cooperation. 

Members of the art troupe pose for a group photo while toured the Butuka Academy • PNG and China Friendship School.

During their visit, the art troupe toured the Butuka Academy • PNG and China Friendship School, a project supported by Shenzhen and constructed by China Construction Science and Industry Corporation Ltd.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and PNG and the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange city relationship between Shenzhen and Port Moresby. Shenzhen has pledged to continue strengthening people-to-people and economic exchanges with PNG, further contributing to the development of bilateral relations between the two nations.