The encounter between Changde's intangible cultural heritage and Burundi's sacred drums launched a cross-civilization dialogue spanning thousands of miles. 

Between June 30 and July 2, the Changde Culture and Tourism Group (CCTG) attended the Burundi Cultural Week events at Beijing's China World Hotel. Changde's intangible cultural heritage items were showcased at the themed exhibition.

At the exhibition. 

The year 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and also marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Burundi, as the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) for 2026, is celebrating its 64th year of independence. It organized this Cultural Week in Beijing with a view to further strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between Burundi and China. This was  both an honor and an opportunity for CCTG  to showcase Changde's cultural allure to the global audience.

At the expo, the Changde intangible cultural heritage area drew crowds of Chinese and foreign guests. Changde flax linen paintings, Taoyuan embroidered ornaments and scarves displayed exquisite craftsmanship, while Taoyuan woodcarvings and Hejie "Spring Bowl" gift packages allowed visitors to experience Changde craftsmen's artistry up close.

A special movable-type "Peach Blossom Spring" black tea product, with each character of the essay "Peach Blossom Spring" pressed into a tea brick, was highly sought-after. When international visitors discovered what they sipped was not just tea, but a tale from a thousand years ago, they couldn't resist taking photos to remember the moment.

The peach blossom rice wine tasting attracted wide attention, immersing guests in a subtly sweet floral aroma that lingered. The "Huan Shou" plush pendant ornaments also proved highly popular, attracting numerous visitors to inquire and buy on the spot.

At the exhibition. 

During the exhibition, CCTG staff promoted the Taohuayuan Scenic Area, distributing over 100 brochures to both Chinese and foreign visitors.

They gave detailed presentations to international visitors on Taohuayuan's historical and cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and cultural tourism experience activities. Several Burundian visitors expressed keen interest in the scenic area and expressed their wish to visit it in the future.

At the exhibition.

Staff members of CCTG introduce the Taohuayuan Scenic Area and Changde's intangible cultural heritage creative products to an international visitor.

CCTG is currently hosting the China-Africa Drum Music Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Event, with the activities at the Taohuayuan Scenic Area taking place on July 4. During the participation in the Beijing exhibition, CCTG extended sincere invitations to the Burundian Embassy in China and the exhibition attendees, hoping to bring African drum culture to Changde and realize a "two-way journey" between the two civilizations.

The exhibition significantly raised the international profile of Changde's intangible cultural heritage. For the first time, a selection of Changde's cultural heritage treasures was showcased at a high-level China-Africa diplomatic event, presenting the distinctive allure of Changde's culture to dignitaries and business leaders from multiple African countries. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic ties, the presence of Changde's intangible cultural heritage stood as a testament to "mutual learning among civilizations."

The exhibition also provided CCTG with invaluable experience in international events and established contact with the Embassy of Burundi in China, paving the way for the future promotion of Changde's intangible cultural heritage in Africa and the international exploration of the Taohuayuan Scenic Area. A number of exhibits attracted inquiries and cooperation proposals during the event, opening up new possibilities for the commercialization and global outreach of Changde's cultural products.

From July 2 to 5, the China-Africa Drum Music Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Event is to be held in Changde, where African drum culture and Changde's intangible cultural heritage will engage in a cross-cultural dialogue. Meanwhile, a variety of cultural performances, hands-on intangible cultural heritage experience activities, and industry observation tours will entertain the visitors.

From Taohuayuan to Africa, Changde's intangible cultural heritage is making its way onto a broader global stage. CCTG remains committed to preserving and revitalizing the cultural heritage, letting the world appreciate the splendor of Changde and enrich the lives of more people with intangible cultural heritage.

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunantoday