China-Senegal Cultural Ties: Chinese artists perform at annual fete

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In Senegal's capital Dakar, Chinese artists from Henan Province have brought a traditional art show to an annual Chinese New Year gala. The show has spurred interest in Chinese culture among the Senegalese audience.

Senegalese government officials joined thousands of locals to watch the Chinese New Year show at the grand theater in Dakar as the season draws to a close. The highlight of the two-hour show was China's Shaolin Kungfu practiced by a group of warrior monks from China's Songshan Shaolin temple.

FATOUMATA TINA DIAW AUDIENCE MEMBER "The 18 Shaolin weapons, I liked this part of the show very much. I'm a former karate trainee, so I'm really happy to see this show."

Shaolin Kung Fu, developed in the Shaolin temple in China, is one of the oldest and most revered forms of Kung Fu. It combines age old Zen Buddhism and martial arts with over more than 1,500 years under its belt.

HENRY PIERRE SARR AUDIENCE MEMBER "It was an extremely original show. It was very beautiful, it was very sensational. The artists performed calming dances not forgetting the impressive Kung Fu and other martial art shows."

A "Happy Chinese New Year" photo exhibition was also held along with the gala, which featured pictures of Spring Festival celebrations around the world.

SERIGNE MBAYE KANDJI AUDIENCE MEMBER "It can help me to understand better, to know the Chinese culture."

The China New Year show has become an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations for Chinese overseas as well as locals in various countries. BLA, CGTN.