Program brings fine Chinese art to the UK

Nine original Chinese productions staged a total of 37 performances at the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe from July 30 to August 25, according to a promotional event on August 11 in Edinburgh, UK.

The productions were featured in the 2025 “China Focus” program and “Elegance and Charm of Shanghai” campaign, which were organized with the support of several government bodies, including the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.

The nine original productions, involving environmental topics, philosophical thinking, and AI technology, blend manifold art forms, including traditional Chinese opera, dance drama, street dance and multimedia, to present a vibrant, multi-faceted picture of modern Chinese arts, according to the organizers.

Zheng Hao, a first-level inspector at the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said in his speech that amid today’s global complexities, cultural exchange is like a bridge that enhances mutual understanding, eliminates barriers, and builds consensus.

Zheng added that the selected works, having garnered widespread popular and critical acclaim, not only present the unique charm of Chinese culture and reflect the country’s latest artistic achievements, but also serve as a medium for Sino-UK cultural exchange.

Zhang Biao, Chinese consul-general in Edinburgh, said the “China Focus” program, which has been held for five years, has become a crucial window to showcase the fine works of Chinese contemporary art.

Roy Luxford, the creative director of Edinburgh International Festival, and Lyndsey Jackson, the chief executive officer of Edinburgh Fringe Festival, also expressed their expectation for new art perspectives shared by young Chinese artists and deeper cooperation with China.

As an iconic brand for Chinese culture going global, the "China Focus" program aims to leverage Edinburgh’s two world-class art festivals to propel original Chinese works onto the world stage. Since its 2017 debut, 35 acclaimed Chinese plays, dance dramas, and musicals have reached global audiences through this initiative, according to its organizers.

Yang Runyu contributed to this story.