On November 7, 2024, the “Echoes of Civilization—Exhibition on Liangzhu Civilization and Wu Opera Performance” was held in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Ambassador Lin Ji of China to Suriname, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Xu Xiao, Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Henry Ori, as well as Surinamese government officials, members of parliament, diplomats, representatives from Chinese institutions, and over 400 members of the Chinese community in Suriname, attended the event.

In his speech, Ambassador Lin emphasized that President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative provides direction for China-Suriname cultural exchanges, which have become an important component of the friendship between the two countries. In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese cultural activities have been held in Suriname, which have been warmly received by the local population. These activities have deepened mutual understanding and affection between the people of the two countries. Going forward, the Chinese Embassy in Suriname will continue to support cultural exchange activities and promote friendly relations between the two peoples.

Deputy Director Xu Xiao introduced Zhejiang Province, Liangzhu culture, and Wuju opera, expressing the hope to strengthen cultural and tourism cooperation with Suriname and inviting friends from all walks of life in Suriname to visit Zhejiang. Minister Ori noted the commonalities between the civilizations of China and Suriname, highlighting China’s achievements in cultural heritage preservation and urging Suriname to learn from these accomplishments. He expressed the desire for both sides to deepen cooperation in the cultural field, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

The Liangzhu Civilization exhibition attracted a diverse audience from all sectors of Suriname, who lingered to admire and appreciate the displays. The Zhejiang Wuju Opera Troupe presented remarkable performances, including “Lifting the Flower Sedan,” “Broken Bridge,” and “Lu Bu Tests the Horse.” The graceful dance, intense martial arts, melodious and powerful singing, and vibrant costumes mesmerized the audience, who enthusiastically applauded. At the end of the performance, the audience expressed their gratitude to China for hosting the event, praising the high level of the performance and its effectiveness, and eagerly looking forward to more opportunities to experience the profound and rich Chinese culture.