Against the important backdrop of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the Confucius Institute at Suez Canal University Confucius Institute launched a series of cultural exchange activities for International Chinese Language Day. On April 20, the artistic touring performance Shu Charm and Shu Elegance, one of the featured events in the series, was successfully held at the Department of Chinese Language of the British University in Egypt, a teaching site affiliated with the Confucius Institute, officially opening the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebrations. More than 100 guests from various sectors of Egyptian society attended the event, joining together in a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange between civilizations.
Distinguished guests attending the event included Duan Zhijie from the Education Office of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt; Ali Hefny; Shadia Fahim; Hassan Ragab; and Yu Miao, among others.
During the speech session, the guests exchanged views on the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations and the vision for China-Africa cultural exchanges. Professor Hassan Ragab extended a warm welcome to all attendees and invited them to experience the unique charm of Bashu culture. Professor Duan Zhijie noted the growing enthusiasm for learning Chinese in Egypt and expressed hope that universities in both countries would further deepen cooperation and cultivate more internationally minded talent. Professor Shadia Fahim stated that the touring performance used language and art as bridges to vividly demonstrate the beauty of cultural integration between Chinese and Egyptian civilizations.
The performance mainly featured original programs that combined Bashu culture with modern artistic expression through dance, singing, martial arts, and other art forms. Performances such as Shu Charm and Shu Elegance, Hong Liang, Blooming Rhododendrons, and Sanxing Tai Chi highlighted the profound heritage and distinctive ethnic characteristics of Chinese culture. The innovative fusion of Sichuan Qingyin, Latin dance, and classical Chinese dance further showcased the openness and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.
Special interactive segments celebrating Chinese and Egyptian cultures were also arranged during the performance. Students from the Department of Chinese Language at the British University in Egypt performed the Egyptian folk song Helwa Ya Balady and the Chinese song Chi Ling, vividly interpreting the idea that “civilizations become more colorful through exchange and richer through mutual learning.” In the finale, performances including the street dance Tibetan Hip-Hop, the song Song of the Earth, and the martial arts program Martial Spirit and Dance Rhythm brought the atmosphere to its climax, demonstrating the vibrant vitality of contemporary Chinese culture. The entire performance concluded with the widely beloved pop song Chengdu, leaving the audience with lasting impressions and fond memories.
As an important part of the 2026 International Chinese Language Day series of events, the activity not only laid a solid foundation for subsequent programs, but also further enhanced the influence of Chinese language education in Egypt byleveraging the momentum of the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Looking ahead, the Suez Canal University Confucius Institute will continue to organize multi-level cultural exchange activities, promote deeper and more substantive people-to-people exchanges between China and Egypt, and contribute to building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.
（Editor: Shi Lanqin）
