Héribert-label Elisée ADJOVI
“Chang’an in full swing through cultural heritage sharing” was the name given to the immersive experience centered on the artistic fashion of Xi’an, China’s ancient imperial city with millennia of history. Co-organized by the Chinese Cultural Center—host of the ceremony—and the Xi’an Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, this event celebrated the excellence of Sino-Beninese cultural cooperation, on the eve of Benin’s 65th anniversary of independence.
“Xi’an is a former capital with a thousand-year-old history, a prestigious city with rich cultural heritage and one of China’s most fascinating tourist destinations. It is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors and was the historical starting point of the Silk Road—a gateway for exchanges between China and the world.” These remarks were made by H.E. Zhang Wei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Benin, during this groundbreaking cultural and tourism showcase held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Speaking before an audience of foreign diplomats, representatives of Benin’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture, Confucius Institute students, and lovers of Chinese culture, he praised the people-to-people exchanges that go beyond mere state-level diplomacy. “With the strong development of the Sino-Beninese strategic partnership, our peoples enjoy sincere friendship, robust political trust, dynamic economic cooperation, and flourishing cultural exchanges. Together, we build a promising future filled with potential.” He welcomed the timely organization of this event, coinciding with Benin's Independence Day celebrations. “In recent years, cultural exchanges between Xi’an and Benin have multiplied and intensified. Last year, an acclaimed Beninese filmmaker was invited to present his work at universities in Xi’an, receiving warm applause. Today, the Xi’an delegation brings creative cultural products and unique sensory experiences. To continue this wonderful momentum, we will soon invite Beninese artists to visit Xi’an.”
Later, Madame Vidékon Dudédji Gwladys Gabdaho, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Benin, highlighted that “Xi’an stands out for its civilization both ancient and vibrant, while Benin boasts rich cultural and tourism assets, combining historical depth and modern vitality.” She emphasized that the goal of this artistic event is to unite people through the discovery of China’s intangible cultural heritage—a multisensory dive into Xi’an’s imperial heritage. Coinciding with the 7th edition of “Beninese Fashion Month,” themed “Promoting Beninese creativity and a growing fashion industry,” Madame Gandaho was clearly captivated by Xi’an-style Chinese fashion: “Here, fashion is more than fabrics and silhouettes. It’s language, memory, art, and symbol. The garments on display—whether inspired by ancient drapes, imperial adornments, or reinvented by today’s designers—represent a living heritage in constant transformation. Every outfit becomes a story, every cut an evocation.” “This exhibition is a bridge: a bridge between disciplines—from couture to photography, from visual arts to performance; a bridge between generations—from ancient know-how to avant-garde intuition; and finally, a bridge between China and the world, between Xi’an and Cotonou, between our two peoples joined by sincere friendship.”
Zhang Xuendong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Xi’an Municipal Government, echoed these sentiments: “This event is a symbol of the thriving cooperation between China and Benin since the restoration of diplomatic relations on December 29, 1972.” He expressed gratitude for Benin’s legendary hospitality and voiced hope for more people-to-people exchanges, envisioning many Beninese visiting Xi’an in the near future. Putting words into action, he and Mr. Kuang Lin, Director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Benin, presented official invitation letters to Elom Tossou and Rémi Ama Sossouvi—two Beninese artists soon to travel to China for an unprecedented cultural journey in Xi’an.
As for cultural experiences, attendees enjoyed an unforgettable evening of Xi’an-inspired fashion staged by Confucius Institute students, who modeled hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) to the sounds of traditional Chinese music—earning enthusiastic applause. Additional workshops introduced visitors to intangible Chinese heritage, including Qin opera makeup (Qinqiang) and lacquered fan-making. Meanwhile, a gastronomic space offered tastings of Xi’an specialties such as rou jia mo (a meat-filled bun with peppers or green chili) and liangpi (cold noodles). Guests also viewed mini-documentaries on Xi’an—birthplace of President Xi Jinping and cradle of Chinese culture and civilization.