by Fatima Aruri
RAMALLAH, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian audience in the city of Ramallah were mesmerized on Wednesday night by a rare show of traditional Chinese culture, staged by a group of visiting Chinese Peking Opera artists.
For the first time, performers of the China National Peking Opera Company (CNPOC) put on 60 minutes of performance on the stage, featuring three shows, namely Havoc in Dragon Palace, At the Crossroads and Long Life Hall.
With colorful costumes and facial make-up, around 16 artists enchanted the audience with special stunts, songs and music.
The show aroused laughs and applauds from the Palestinian audience of all ages, many of whom were enthralled by the performance showcasing the Chinese cultural heritage.
At the opening of the show, Guo Wei, director of the Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine, said that the opera show was staged to mark the 30th anniversary of the China-Palestine diplomatic ties and the 69th Chinese National Day that falls on Oct. 1.
Guo said the CNPOC visit and its performance represented the highest level of Peking Opera, which will further the communication between the two peoples and their friendship in the framework of cooperating under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Li Shengsu, a veteran Peking Opera artist who led the delegation, told Xinhua that she was moved by the hospitality and enthusiasm of the Palestinian people.
"Peking Opera is China's national treasure, and I hope we will come back for more visits in future. Though this is our first visit here, but I can feel the warmth of the Palestinian people toward us, and that the Chinese culture is well received here," Li said.
Palestinian viewers said that they highly appreciated the opportunity to watch such top-quality performance.
Ali Arram, a Palestinian man, told Xinhua that such shows are very effective for promoting the communication between the Palestinians and Chinese people, as "we get to know their traditions and their music and arts."
Adnan Salman, manager of a private company, said the show was a reflection of the rich Chinese heritage.
"Such shows will enhance the relations positively, and expose us to other peoples' cultures. The Chinese culture is a deeply-rooted culture, and we need such shows, more joint celebrations, and more insight into the Chinese culture," he told Xinhua.
