From June 7 to 8, the “Colorful China” Art Troupe of South-Central Minzu University (SCMU) held a series of cultural exchange events in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, receiving an enthusiastic welcome. The events were hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Sweden and organized by the China Cultural Center in Stockholm and the China Center of International Culture Exchange and Tourism Promotion, as part of the global events commemorating the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
Chinese and Swedish Youths Celebrate Together on Stage. (Photo by Li Xiaochen)
At 6:00 PM on June 8, the “Dialogue : Meeting of Minds” China-Sweden Song and Dance Gala took place at the Vasa Theatre, which was filled to capacity with nearly 500 attendees, including friends from various sectors of Swedish society, overseas Chinese in Sweden, representatives of Chinese enterprises, and Chinese students. Guests first watched a video address by Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, delivered at the 2026 global event marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Subsequently, Chinese Ambassador to Sweden Zhou Limin delivered an impassioned speech. He noted that despite the geographical distance between China and Sweden, friendly exchanges between the two countries have a long history. He emphasized that both sides should uphold the principles of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations by adhering to mutual respect to foster harmonious coexistence among different civilizations; putting people first to strengthen the foundation of cultural exchanges; carrying forward traditions while embracing innovation to sustain the momentum of civilizational progress; and enhancing mutual learning to improve the mechanisms for dialogue among civilizations. He expressed the hope that Chinese and Swedish friends would build bridges of connection through song and dance, embracing the ideal that “all civilizations can appreciate each other’s beauty while valuing their own and achieve common development”, so that different civilizations may learn from each other through exchange and come to know each other through dialogue.
During the gala, Zhang Zhuo, a Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle) instructor from SCMU, performed the Inner Mongolian folk songPastoral Songtogether with William, a Swedish primary school student, and Nina, a piano teacher, both from Lilla Akademien in Stockholm. As the Eastern Morin Khuur resonated in harmony with the Western violin and piano,Pastoral Songtranscended borders, deeply moving the audience and drawing sustained applause. At the performance, the “Colorful China” Art Troupe also presented a variety of dance and vocal performances, while Swedish artists contributed arias, folk songs, and a string quartet. The folk arts of the two countries blended seamlessly and complemented each other, painting a vivid picture of mutual learning and shared understanding. The atmosphere was joyous and lively, punctuated by frequent rounds of warm applause.
The Performance in Progress. (Photo by Li Xiaochen)
Ambassador Zhou Limin and Others Pose for a Group Photo with the Performers. (Photo by Li Xiaochen)
As a prelude to the gala, on June 7, the art troupe delivered a wonderful performance at the “Hello! China” Dragon Boat Festival Garden Party organized by the China Cultural Center in Stockholm, drawing the enthusiastic participation of nearly 10,000 local residents and overseas Chinese.
