A face-changing performance is held at the Spring Festival Reception in Bogota, Colombia. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

To mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia, a Ningbo delegation recently visited Colombia, where the cultures of the two countries coalesced through the Chinese New Year celebrations. The delegation introduced the Chinese intangible cultural heritage through a series of exciting performances and exhibitions.

On Jan 20, at the Spring Festival Reception in Bogota, Ningbo artist Niu Yongguo's face-changing act, depicting characters like the Dragon King, Guan Yu, and Sun Wukong, mesmerized the audience. Colombian attendees were particularly impressed, with one, Daniela, noting the incredible artistry.

The exhibits at the reception featured intricate bone and wood inlays, dazzling lacquerware, and elegant gold and silver embroidery, presenting Ningbo's craftsmanship in all its glory. A unique international stamp collection activity also engaged the audience, with Chinese-Colombian attendees expressing their delight.

On Jan 21, an exhibition featuring 45 seal works by over 20 Chinese artists opened in Bogota. The pieces combined elements of both Chinese and Colombian cultures, promoting cultural exchange.

The event saw Zhu Jingyang, Chinese ambassador to Colombia, Ramiro Osorio, director of Julio Mario Santo Domingo Grand Theater, and Chen Haibo, deputy director of the Ningbo municipal bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism, inaugurating the exhibition. Zhu highlighted the significance of using seal art to share Ningbo stories globally.

Special performances at the Julio Mario Santo Domingo Grand Theater featured excerpts from Ningbo's cultural repertoire, earning praise from Colombian and Chinese representatives for its artistic innovation and deepening cultural ties.

Zhu described the performances as a "spectacular Spring Festival Gala" in Bogota. The event strengthened the friendship between China and Colombia, marking a high point in the cultural exchange between the two countries.