Brazil-China closer relations boost cultural exchange

A monk from the Shaolin Temple of China displays his kung fu skills at the “Cultures of China, Festival of Spring” event at the City of Arts, one of Rio De Janeiro's newest music halls, March 5, 2015. A group of Chinese artists presented a performance to celebrate the Chinese lunar New Year and the 450th anniversary of the city's foundation. The program was organized by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the Chinese State Council. [Photo/Xinhua]

Citizens of Rio De Janeiro received a group of Chinese artists who brought Chinese culture to the Brazilian city, in a dual celebration for the Chinese New Year and the 450th anniversary of the city's foundation.

The cultural gala, named "Cultures of China, Festival of Spring ," was held in the City of Arts, one of Rio's newest music halls on March 5, 2015. It is an international event aimed at promoting Chinese culture in other countries.

The same group who performed in Rio has already visited Panama City and Chile's capital city Santiago. Its next destination is Sao Paulo, which has the largest Chinese community in Brazil.

Ma Guangfeng, secretary-general of the Brazil-China Culture Exchange Chamber and one of the event's organizers, said that the festival takes place in Rio every year since 2009.

According to Ma, events related to Chinese culture have been increasing in Brazil in recent years, as relations between China and Brazil get closer.

"In the past years, we have had at least two large events per year," said Ma.

In addition to the "Cultures of China" event, there was also another large Chinese New Year celebration in Brazil in February, in Sao Paulo.