In order to promote bilateral cultural exchanges between China and the Netherlands, on June 21st , China Cultural Week themed “Inheritance and innovation: China Intangible Cultural Heritage” was held in China Cultural Center.Mr. Chen Ribao , Minister Counsellor of Chinese Embassy, diplomats from various countries, as well as representatives from Dutch major cultural organizations attended the opening ceremony. Director of China Culture Center Mr. Yang Xiaolong hosted the event.  

Mr. Chen Ribiao pointed out in his speech that the establishment of China Cultural Center is an important achievement following the visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping to the Netherlands in 2014. It is also a milestone that bilateral relations of the two countries have reached new height. This year is the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the ambassadorial level diplomatic relationship between China and the Netherlands. The theme of this China Cultural Week is “Inheritance and Innovation”. The further development of the two countries’ relationship also requires continuity and breakthrough. He hopes China Cultural Center in Den Haag will serve as a useful platform to create opportunities to make it more accessible for Dutch local people to experience and feel Chinese culture, as well as to propel the bilateral exchanges and cooperation.  

At the opening ceremony, Shenzhen Fangyin Chinese Music Troupe played “Three Stanzas of Plum-blossoms” “High Mountains and Running Water” “A Parting Tune with a Thrice Repeated Refrain” and so on, the Chinese traditional repertoires, as well as Dutch folk song “Paloma Blanca”. The sound of the instruments is so haunting that it has extended to touch the heart of all the audiences. Dutch Chinese famous pop singer in 1980s in China, Ms. Zhang Die performed an innovative show “Tomorrow” After the performance, the audience gladly watched “China Gyotaku Art” and “Silk Road-A New Look” exhibition and demonstration of creative products of Jiangsu Intangible Cultural Heritage.  

The cultural week will last until 30th June. Besides the above-mentioned events, there will be also a “Cultural China, Water Cube Cup” Chinese song singing competition. In addition, the other activities are: “Melody of Qin and Zheng: Chinese traditional music instrument appreciation”, “Heart Talk of Pipa—Inheritance and Innovation of China National Music”, “Cultural Dialogue: Chinese and Western Cuisine Culture”.,Demo class of Chinese Taiji and Health Qigong. In order to partake the social responsibility and care for the Dutch vulnerable groups, China Cultural Center will specially send the performance to Purmerend Senior Nursing Homes and invite Dutch autistic children to the Center to learn craft of calligraphy, paper cutting and Ou Sculpture, as well as play Chinese and Dutch traditional games.