Chinese cultural troupe “Wulin Hanyun” performs in Accra

A Chinese performance group, the “Wulin Hanyun” last Monday entertained audience at the National theatre in Accra to various martial arts skills, traditional Chinese dance and folk music.

The troupe displayed the use of variety of weapons and also performed Chinese folk music using several instruments such as the Pipa, Erhu, Guzheng and flute which received rousing applause from the audience.

The event, a collaboration between the Confucius Institute Headquartered in Beijing, Hanban, the Chinese Embassy in Ghana and the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana presented an evening of Chinese cultural displays which saw a combination of ancient Chinese music and martial arts into a fascinating performance.

The troupe, resident in the Henan province in Central China, the home of the famous Shaolin Monastery popularly known as ‘Shaolin temple‘ gave some of the audience the opportunity to experiment with some of  their demonstrations.

The performance troupe display different martial art weapons

Particular performances that thrilled the excited audience was when members of the troupe took turn to demonstrate their kung fu technique of withstanding strikes inflicted on their bodies which included the breaking of iron bars on their head and smashing of bricks with their fists as well as popping a balloon by shooting a pin through a piece of glass all to the admiration of the audience.

Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana in her opening address noted that such events serve as “a bridge, a link of friendship between China and other countries, a window for people all over the world to learn Chinese and Chinese culture, which ultimately contributes towards world peace.”

She said over the last few years, there have been more people participating in cultural exchanges between China and Ghana which she described as a testament of the educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

"While promoting Chinese and Chinese culture, Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana is dedicated to introducing Ghanaian culture to Chinese. To display Ghanaian culture is always an important part of our programs," she said.

The performance troupe pose for a photo with the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Madam Sun Baohong, government dignitaries and other Chinese officials.

The Chief Director of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Dr. Joel Sonne said it was about time Ghana intensified its efforts to sell its cultural talents to the rest of the world.

He said traditional Ghanaian games such as ampe, oware and others are worthy cultural exports that will show the rest of the world the rich talent Ghana possesses.

He added that the Ministry of Tourism is ready to support causes that promotes Ghana’s cultural heritage.

On her part, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Madam Sun Baohong said Kung fu is a philosophy whose ultimate goal is to safeguard peace and social justice.

She explained that Kung Fu is a spirit that does not only strengthen people's physical fitness and responsiveness but also improves internal traits and external behavior, contributing to the cultivation of sound mentality and morality.

The performance troupe pose for a photo with the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Madam Sun Baohong and other Chinese officials

She said the ancient Chinese Kung Fu is a cultural life that have become a name card for cultural exchange between China and other countries.

“The aim of China's diplomacy is to build a community with a shared future for mankind…. And to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries guided by the principle of upholding justice while pursuing shared interests and the principle of sincerity”

“Chinese people are ready to work with the people of all other countries to create a bright future for all of us,” she added.