CIIE Culture Night celebrates fusion of global arts and culture beyond trade

Performers at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Culture Night in Shanghai, on Nov 6, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In celebration of the cultural exchanges at the ongoing eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), the CIIE Culture Night was hosted on Nov 6 in Shanghai, showcasing colorful performances from around the world.

As a premier platform promoting exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, the inclusiveness and openness of the expo has extended far beyond businesses.

Performers at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Culture Night in Shanghai, on Nov 6, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

During the CIIE Culture Night, artists from both home and abroad bridged diverse cultures through the shared language of arts. Performers from the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra opened the show with the rhythmic beats of Chinese drums in Mysterious Heaven, followed by a unique group dance presented by the Guangxi Trading Delegation.

The Chongqing Sichuan Opera Company and Sichuan Vocational College of Art immersed the audience in the charm of intangible cultural heritage including Sichuan Opera and an iconic face-changing performance. Croatian cellist Ana Rucner impressed the crowd with a cello suite performance blending classical music and modern elements, while renowned Chinese tenor Shi Yijie joined American soprano Juliet Petrus in a stirring rendition of Toast Song to close the show.

Performers at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Culture Night in Shanghai, on Nov 6, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Frank Christian Hammes, global CEO of Swiss air-technology firm IQAir, praised the gala, saying he was especially impressed by the traditional Chinese bamboo flute performances. "Chinese traditional music shows are always the best," he said.

This year's CIIE, which is held from Nov 5 to Nov 10 in Shanghai, gathered over 155 countries, regions and international organizations, as well as representatives from provinces across China.