Shenzhen's city image promoted in Toronto

The North American premiere of Shenzhen’s celebrated dance drama “Wing Chun” at Toronto’s Meridian Hall on Tuesday evening, local time, was accompanied by a city promotion event.

Attendees look on as performers showcase traditional martial arts during Shenzhen’s cultural promotion event at Meridian Hall in Toronto. Photos by Zhou Hongsheng

The gathering, attended by Chinese Consul General in Toronto Luo Weidong, representatives from the Shenzhen municipal government, and some 200 Canadian political, business and cultural figures, highlighted Shenzhen’s role as a dynamic global hub. 

The event coincided with the 55th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic relations, the 20th anniversary of China-Canada strategic partnership, and preceded the 10th anniversary of friendly exchanges between Shenzhen and Toronto in 2026.

Luo said in a speech that for 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, cultural exchange has always been an important bond in their relationship. 

“It is hoped that the residency of ‘Wing Chun’ will allow Toronto audiences to experience the essence of traditional Chinese culture and the charm of contemporary Chinese culture, injecting new vitality into Canada's multiculturalism, and further promoting the continuous warming of people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada through the resonance of culture and art,” Luo stated.

Luo Weidong, Chinese Consul General in Toronto, addresses guests at the Shenzhen promotional event held Tuesday evening at Meridian Hall.

The promotion comes as Shenzhen is poised to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026 — the third Chinese city following Shanghai and Beijing to host the APEC meeting.

During the reception, organizers screened “Gather in Shenzhen,” a promotional film emphasizing the city’s competitive edges as a technology and innovation leader — often called China’s Silicon Valley — alongside its coastal landscapes, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and business-friendly environment. 

The presentation positioned Shenzhen not only as an economic powerhouse but also as an attractive destination for tourism, investment, and international dialogue.

Principal cast members of "Wing Chun" greet the audience during Shenzhen’s promotional event in Toronto.

“Wing Chun” will run at Meridian Hall through Jan. 4, 2026, with 20 performances in total. Its Toronto engagement is the production’s first residency in North America and is seen as a bridge for deeper cultural exchanges and people-to-people understanding between China and Canada.

Reza Moridi, former minister of research, innovation and science in Ontario, appreciated the efforts to bring the dance drama to Canada. “They start building bridges between the people of China and the people of Canada. I am so grateful that they have done this.”

Moridi added, “Toronto and Shenzhen began friendly exchanges about 10 years ago, I think the relationship between the two cities will be warmer than ever before.”