LUOYANG, 16 Aug 2026(Kamran Raja): To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Host Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sargodha, led a delegation of more than 10 faculty members and students to HeroBoss Technology (China-Pakistan Economic and Cultural Exchange Center) in Luoyang, Henan, on August 15.
The one-day cultural event, themed “Tasting Millennia-Old Heluo, Celebrating China-Pakistan Friendship – Multi-Dimensional Chinese Cultural Experience Event,” offered Pakistani participants an immersive introduction to the rich cultural heritage of Luoyang and highlighted the deep historical and people-to-people ties between China and Pakistan.
The event featured a diverse range of cultural activities, including Henan opera, traditional Chinese arts, dumpling-making, calligraphy, a visit to the Luoyang Museum and an evening heritage tour.
Henan Opera took center stage during the opening ceremony, with classic excerpts from Mu Guiying Takes Command and Chaoyanggou captivating the delegation. Under the guidance of local artists, several Pakistani students also experienced traditional opera techniques, including sleeve movements and dramatic poses.
“One does not need translation to understand the emotions expressed through Chinese opera. They are conveyed through the eyes, facial expressions and gestures,” one participant said.
The delegation later visited the Luoyang Museum, where members explored artifacts reflecting the city’s important role in ancient exchanges along the Silk Road. Among the exhibits that attracted particular attention were Tang Sancai figurines depicting Central Asian merchants, Eastern Roman gold coins and Persian silverware.
“These artifacts tell us that exchanges between China and Pakistan had already begun their prologue in the annals of history,” The long-standing cultural and commercial interactions that connected civilizations across the region.
An inheritor of intangible cultural heritage also introduced the delegation to the Luoyang spade, explaining its historical development from an archaeological prospecting instrument to applications in modern construction. The demonstration provided participants with an insight into how traditional Chinese craftsmanship has evolved while remaining relevant to contemporary society.
The cultural experience continued into the evening, when members of the delegation donned traditional Chinese Hanfu and toured the historic Luoyi Ancient City. The illuminated streets and traditional architecture offered a vivid setting for experiencing Luoyang’s cultural heritage.
A spectacular drone formation above the illuminated Wenfeng Pagoda added a modern dimension to the heritage experience. The drones created patterns inspired by the Silk Road, symbolizing the meeting of traditional culture, modern technology and international cultural exchange.
The event demonstrated China’s approach of preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation, while also creating opportunities for Pakistani students to engage directly with Chinese history, traditions and contemporary cultural development.
HeroBoss Technology said it would continue organizing youth study tours, heritage exhibitions and cultural salons involving participants from China and Pakistan. The initiatives are aimed at creating sustained opportunities for people-to-people exchanges and strengthening friendship between the younger generations of the two countries.
Confucius Institute at the University of Sargodha would designate Luoyang as a key destination for Pakistani students’ practical training and cultural learning programs in China.
The initiative, he said, would provide more Pakistani students with opportunities to experience China’s history, culture and development firsthand. Our aim is to bring more young people along the Silk Road and send them home with stories to tell.
The cultural exchange comes as China and Pakistan celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the two countries and highlighting the importance of youth, education and cultural exchanges in carrying the China-Pakistan friendship into the future.