China's Yunnan launches cultural exhibition in Saudi capital, spotlighting heritage, tourism ties

RIYADH -- China's Yunnan province opened a cultural exhibition in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday, featuring UNESCO World Heritage displays, traditional craft demonstrations, and a symbolic fusion of tea and coffee culture, as part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year.

The event, held at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter, drew hundreds of Saudi officials, diplomats, and local residents.

Titled "A Life Called Yunnan," the exhibition highlighted striking photographs of the province's natural and cultural landmarks, including the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas and the Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er — both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The latter was inscribed during the UNESCO conference hosted in Riyadh in 2023.

Saudi visitors were drawn to Yunnan's lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, with many expressing interest in its ecotourism potential.

The tourism segment of the exhibition underlined centuries-old connections between China and the Arabian Peninsula, referencing the 15th-century voyages of Zheng He. Born in Yunnan, the Ming Dynasty admiral and diplomat led maritime expeditions that reached the Red Sea and Arabia, laying early foundations for trade and cultural exchange.

Parallels were also drawn between the historic waterways of Yunnan's Lijiang and the old districts of Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, with Saudi travel agencies expressing interest in developing tour packages tailored to the Chinese province.

Artisans from Yunnan's Yi and Bai ethnic groups demonstrated traditional embroidery and indigo tie-dye crafts. Other exhibitors showcased silver-inlaid copperware, a practice recognized as national intangible cultural heritage in China.

Guests were served Yunnan's renowned Pu'er tea alongside Arabica coffee grown in the province, which is China's largest coffee-producing region due to its favorable weather and soil conditions. Organizers described the pairing as a "dialogue between traditions," symbolizing a deeper cultural connection.

"Saudi coffee is part of our identity, but Yunnan's beans have a unique smoothness. There's potential here," said Saudi vlogger Abdullah Majed.

The exhibition coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua said the event helped "advance mutual understanding through shared heritage."

Zeng Yan, a senior official from Yunnan, outlined plans for enhanced cooperation, including a World Heritage Voyage Program for Saudi tourists, youth exchange initiatives, and joint archaeological projects focused on Zheng He's journeys to the Red Sea.

Home to more than half of China's plant and vertebrate species, Yunnan is regarded as the country's most biodiverse and culturally rich province. It hosts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is known for its vibrant ethnic traditions, including the Water-Splashing Festival of the Dai people.