Cross-culture festival promotes greater understanding

International representatives attend the opening ceremony. [Photo by Chen Yingqun/chinadaily.com.cn]

Artists, diplomats and business people from 37 countries displayed their unique cultures in Beijing over the weekend.

More than 1,000 people took part in the 3rd Duyi International Culture Festival in Gotrues, an eastern Beijing compound dedicated to art and trade.

Clash of Cultures aims to enhance cross-culture communication, said Chinese landscape painter Yang Yan. The annual event was begun Yang and his wife Ada Yang, who is from Sierra Leone and also founder of the Queenmark Foundation.

Yang Yan says that as their marriage is cross-culture, he sees more importance in cross-culture communication and wants to help China and other cultures to understand each other better.

Ada Yang was awarded 10,000 yuan by the Gotrues for her contribution to China-Africa cultural exchanges.

The event displayed different cultures through singing and dancing performances, fashion shows and a magic performance. There was also a large exhibition center showcasing different foods, artworks and handicrafts.

The event also saw the launch of charity projects, including Yon Ho Food Company, a Chinese fast-food restaurant chain with investments from Taiwan, announcing its support for children's education in Africa.

Sierra Leone's ambassador to China and China's Peking Opera master Sun Yumin also attended.

chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn