China urges stronger tourism, cultural ties with Nigeria

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The Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, has called for deeper cultural and tourism exchanges between China and Nigeria, urging more Nigerians to visit China and experience its civilisation, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

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Speaking at the 2026 China Tourism Day celebration held in Abuja on Friday, Yang said tourism remains a vital bridge for mutual understanding and friendship between nations.

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Speaking on the theme, “Enjoying Quality Tourism, Exploring Beautiful Landscapes”, Yang said it reflects the true essence of tourism through the promotion of cultural understanding, friendship, and shared appreciation of diverse civilisations.

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“We welcome more Nigerian friends to learn Chinese, visit China in person, explore its magnificent landscapes, and experience its long-standing civilisation. We also look forward to more Chinese tourists visiting Nigeria to experience the unique charm and boundless vitality of this West African land,” he said.

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He noted that both China and Nigeria are ancient civilisations with rich cultural heritage and iconic tourism landmarks that can further strengthen people-to-people relations.

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“From the Great Wall and Mount Tai in China to the Osun-Osobo Sacred Forest and Zuma Rock in Nigeria, these cultural and tourism landmarks act as silent messengers, building a solid bridge of mutual understanding between the two peoples,” he stated.

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He noted that tourism offers one of the most direct and vivid ways for people to experience diversity and encourage mutual learning among civilisations.

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Highlighting past engagements between both countries, Yang said China and Nigeria had recorded significant achievements in cultural and tourism cooperation through initiatives such as the “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations and the China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festivals.

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He explained that the programmes enabled citizens of both countries to experience each other’s traditions through artistic performances, cultural exhibitions, and culinary exchanges.

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“These activities not only deepened friendship but also instilled the concept of ‘harmony in diversity’ in people’s hearts,” he added.

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Looking ahead, Yang said China was ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria under the framework of the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”

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“The China Cultural Center will continue to contribute to promoting cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation between China and Africa,” he said.

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He said both countries would continue to explore opportunities in cultural heritage protection, tourism promotion, and creative industry development.

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The event formed part of activities marking the 16th China Tourism Day, which is celebrated annually on May 19.

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