The 2026 China Tourism Day celebration held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Friday reinforced growing cultural and tourism cooperation between Nigeria and China, with officials from both countries highlighting decades of diplomatic friendship, cultural exchange, and opportunities for deeper collaboration in tourism and the creative economy.
Speaking at the event, Mr Yang Jianxing,the cultural counselor of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria described tourism as a powerful bridge for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and friendship between nations.
Addressing diplomats, tourism stakeholders, creatives, and guests gathered at the centre, Yang said the 16th edition of China Tourism Day, themed “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes,” reflects the broader role of tourism in connecting people and civilizations.
According to him, China and Nigeria, as ancient civilizations with rich cultural heritage and remarkable tourist destinations, share common values of diversity and inclusiveness.
He referenced iconic attractions such as the Great Wall and Mount Tai in China, alongside Nigeria’s Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock, describing them as “silent messengers” that strengthen understanding between both peoples.
Yang noted that tourism provides one of the most direct avenues for promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.
He also highlighted several cultural exchange initiatives jointly organised by both countries in recent years, including the “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations and the China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals.
According to him, the programmes enabled citizens of both countries to experience each other’s cultures through artistic performances, exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage, and culinary showcases.
“These activities not only deepened friendship but also instilled the concept of harmony in diversity in people’s hearts,” he said.
Yang further stated that China was ready to deepen practical cooperation with Nigeria under the framework of the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”
He said both countries would continue exploring broader cooperation opportunities in areas such as cultural heritage preservation, creative industry development, and tourism route promotion.
The Chinese official encouraged more Nigerians to learn the Chinese language and visit China to experience its cultural heritage and modern transformation, while also expressing hope that more Chinese tourists would visit Nigeria to explore the country’s cultural richness and vibrant tourism offerings.
“May the friendship between China and Nigeria last forever, and may cultural exchanges between China and Africa yield even more fruitful results,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ibrahim, described the celebration as a reflection of the strong and enduring diplomatic and cultural relationship between Nigeria and China spanning more than five decades.
Representing the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Ibrahim conveyed goodwill messages to participants and commended the China Cultural Centre for sustaining cultural engagement initiatives between both countries.
He noted that tourism remains an important instrument for economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation.
“The cultural relationship between Nigeria and China has dated over five decades and still counting, and it is still growing stronger,” he said.
Ibrahim said Nigeria had significantly benefited from cultural and educational exchanges with China, particularly in capacity building and training programmes.
He revealed that Nigerian acrobats had received training in China and now perform at international events representing Nigeria, while also sharing his personal experience as a beneficiary of a Chinese government scholarship at Peking University between 2009 and 2010.
“That tells you the level of close cooperation between China and Nigeria in cultural exchanges,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary praised China’s investment in tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation, and environmental aesthetics, describing the country’s architectural designs and urban landscaping as impressive examples of cultural preservation and tourism development.
He stressed that Nigeria, like China, possesses diverse cultural heritage sites, scenic landscapes, and vibrant creative expressions capable of positioning the country as a major global tourism destination.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy remains committed to promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential while strengthening international partnerships that would improve the tourism value chain.
He added that collaboration between Nigeria and China continues to create opportunities for investment, knowledge sharing, and stronger people-to-people connections necessary for sustainable development in the cultural and tourism sectors.
Ibrahim called on stakeholders to embrace innovative approaches toward preserving cultural heritage, promoting tourism, and empowering creative industries.
“Together, we can build a tourism sector that is inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive,” he said.
