Global artists discover city through folk arts festival

Spanish and Sri Lankan folk artists participating in the 13th China International Folk Arts Festival joined an art tour in Bao’an District yesterday after a successful performance Monday night.

Folk artists from Spain and Sri Lanka explore Qianhai Stone Park during a cultural tour of Bao’an District yesterday. Photos by Liu Xudong

The delegation visited Qianhai Stone Park, the Bay Glory Ferris wheel at OH Bay, the Bao’an District Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and the recently opened Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City.

For many, this was their first visit to Shenzhen. Mar Rey Rojas, with the Young Dance Company of Las Rozas in Spain, said, “Shenzhen is fascinating. It’s so modern, but it also has a touch of traditional culture.”

Visiting international folk artists snap selfies together during a sightseeing tour in Bao’an District yesterday. 

Naduni Rodrigo, with Ran Ranga Dance Academy in Sri Lanka, said, “Although I just arrived in Shenzhen on Monday afternoon, I was impressed by the city’s clean environment and the friendliness of its people.”

Participating artists gather for a group photo beneath the OH Bay Ferris Wheel in Bao’an District yesterday.

Initiated in 1990, the China International Folk Arts Festival has grown into a flagship event for China’s people-to-people cultural exchanges with the world. This year marks the festival’s debut in Guangdong — Foshan is serving as the main venue, with performances scheduled in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Dongguan.

Folk art groups from six countries performed alongside local artists to mark the opening of the Shenzhen session of the 13th China International Folk Arts Festival on Monday night at the Xixiang Auditorium in Bao’an District.

International artists explore the Zhongshuge Bookstore at OH Bay in Bao’an District during yesterday’s tour.

Rojas appreciated the opportunity to join the festival and visit China. “I think our group did a really great performance last night. It was a nice event. We could talk with a lot of different people from different countries. We established some friendships with other artists from other cultures, which is such a great thing to do because you cannot see many people from different cultures gather together to dance every day,” said Rojas.

“The experience was so great and fascinating. I am really glad that I got this opportunity to perform in the folk arts festival. Shenzhen is our last show. We were really emotional, and some people cried. There were Chinese friends who came to us and patted our backs, saying ‘don’t cry.’ The whole experience was profoundly touching and unforgettable. The festival also offered a wonderful opportunity to build new friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.” said Rodrigo.

Artists from Sri Lanka‘s Ran Ranga Dance Academy perform a traditional dance in a performance during the 13th China International Folk Arts Festival in Bao’an District, on Monday.

After the performance, Shenzhen citizen Ma Li emotionally shared, “As the final song played, I was almost moved to tears, feeling that all of our hearts were connected. Shenzhen is an immensely inclusive city. This performance was absolutely magnificent. I will definitely come again if there are more events like this in the future.”

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