In December 2024, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s bustling cultural and economic hub, to attend the Abidjan International Film Festival (SICA) at the invitation of the Ministry of Communication of that country. While the primary purpose of my trip was to engage in the festival’s activities, my time in Abidjan… Continue reading Exploring Abidjan: A Vibrant City of Nature, Culture, and Cinematic Delights
Category: Features
How Much of Central Asia Can You Find in Beijing?
Join Xinhua correspondent Yao Kaien as she challenges herself to dive into the exotic flavors and culture. You will be surprised by how deep the ties run between China and Central Asia. African Times has published this article in partnership with Xinhua News Agency
Nujiang integrates culture and tourism to create new opportunities for development
Nestled deep within the Nujiang Grand Canyon, unique ethnic cultures are driving rural revitalisation in Yunnan Province’s Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Relying on its rich intangible cultural heritage, the region integrates agriculture, culture, and tourism to create new opportunities for once-isolated communities. Melodies of joy When approaching Baihualing Village in the prefecture’s Lushui City, visitors… Continue reading Nujiang integrates culture and tourism to create new opportunities for development
A Chinese Entrepreneur Helps Young People to Realise Their Dreams in Zimbabwe
During Harare’s jacaranda blooming season, the streets are filled with a rich floral fragrance. It was this captivating aroma that first caught the attention of Zhao Ke, then a 28-year-old man, as he paused to take it in. Little did he know that this moment would mark the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long connection with… Continue reading A Chinese Entrepreneur Helps Young People to Realise Their Dreams in Zimbabwe
Exploring Seoul: A Journey of Innovation, Culture, and Diplomacy
In 2024, I had the honour of being part of a special invitation program for exchange and cooperation between South Korea and Africa. I visited Seoul, South Korea, just ahead of the highly anticipated Korea-Africa Summit which took place in June 2024. During this immersive trip, I explored Seoul’s cutting-edge innovations, rich cultural heritage, and… Continue reading Exploring Seoul: A Journey of Innovation, Culture, and Diplomacy
A Famous Chinese Vlogger is Using Social Media to Promote Intangible Cultural Heritage
In the digital age, where traditional culture is in danger of gradually disappearing, one iconic figure has taken it upon herself to reverse the trend by reviving traditional skills. A prominent Chinese vlogger, Li Ziqi, whose birth name is Li Jiajia, has amassed a vast online following by reinterpreting traditions that date back thousands of… Continue reading A Famous Chinese Vlogger is Using Social Media to Promote Intangible Cultural Heritage
Cultural, Heritage and Spiritual Tourism in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh: A Journey of Transformation
Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s true treasure, a state in the middle of the country that reflects its culture, spirituality, and topography. Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, the Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, believes tourism in India is experiencing a revolution. From Buddhist circuits and rural homely stays to the sensationally huge Mahakumbh event,… Continue reading Cultural, Heritage and Spiritual Tourism in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh: A Journey of Transformation
Xiamen Presents a Successful Case of Sustainable Development of a Bay City
Riding along Xiamen’s Xinglin Bay Marine Bicycle Lane feels like gliding between the sea and sky. This 2.6-km-long pathway, built above the sea, links two sides of the bay. Every weekend, the lane, situated along the coastline in Xiamen’s Jimei District, transforms into a hotspot for visitors. Among them is Theogene Habumugisha, a Rwandan living… Continue reading Xiamen Presents a Successful Case of Sustainable Development of a Bay City
From South Africa to Zimbabwe—and Beyond: The Inspiring Journey of Cyclist Meli Ndlovu
Meli Ndlovu is not your average cyclist. With the wind in his face and a burning passion in his heart, Ndlovu has become an inspiring figure in the world of long-distance cycling. Over the past few years, he has cycled countless miles across Southern Africa, often solo and sometimes with a team, sharing his love… Continue reading From South Africa to Zimbabwe—and Beyond: The Inspiring Journey of Cyclist Meli Ndlovu
A Snapshot of Key Events in China-Africa Cooperation in 2024
The year 2024 saw a further deepening of China-Africa relations, with a number of milestones. The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing elevated China-Africa relations to new heights, unveiling ambitious plans to modernise and strengthen their longstanding partnership. Economic cooperation continued to thrive in 2024. Although full-year data is… Continue reading A Snapshot of Key Events in China-Africa Cooperation in 2024