As close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, China and Russia enjoy friendly diplomatic relations, and boast a long history of exchanges. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia and promote extensive exchanges and mutual understanding between Chinese and Russian teenagers, the Liaoning China-Russia Teenager Cultural and Art Exchange Festival was held in Shenyang and Benxi, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province from June 29 to 30. A total of 63 members from the teenager art exchange group of seven cities in the Russian Far East experienced the human landscape, history and culture of Liaoning, and highlighted the Sino-Russian friendship through artistic exchanges.

This year’s cultural and art exchange festival was held in Shenyang and Benxi with two different themes. In the China-Russia Student Art Competition held in Shenyang on June 29, 23 Russian programs and more than 100 programs from Liaoning were sent to participate in the competition. The Chinese and Russian teenagers enhanced their mutual understanding and deepened traditional friendship in the competition.

At the Chinese Culture Experience Day held in Benxi on June 30, rich and varied traditional Chinese cultural experience activities, such as martial arts performances, Beijing (or Peking) Opera mask painting, Manchu paper-cutting, calligraphy, Chinese sachet making, movable-type printing, brought new experiences to and left deep impressions on the Russian teenagers. Alisa Siasko, a member of Russia’s Primorsky Territory Teenager Art Exchange Group, said, “I have experienced traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, Chinese sachet making, and dumpling making this time. All these are very interesting. They remind me of the culture and food of my hometown, and also let me understand Chinese culture better.”

Roman, the artistic director of the Russian Domino Model Dance Troupe, came to China for the second time, and had a completely new feeling. “I have been to China as a tourist before, but this time, I came to Liaoning as a judge for the cultural and artistic exchange festival. Liaoning has undergone great changes, and everything here becomes fresh and new to me. Our children watched the modern dance and folk dance performances of the Chinese children. I’m sure these have broadened their horizons. The festival has also promoted artistic exchanges between China and Russia, and deepened the friendship between the two countries.” said Roman.