A vibrant African dance show in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is captivating audiences and driving a surge in tourism. Since its debut on May 9th, the “Africa Style – Dancing Desert Project” in Zhongwei City’s Jinshahai Resort Area has attracted over 30,000 visitors from around the globe. This cultural extravaganza, featuring performers from 12 cultural groups across 10 regions of southern-central Africa, has become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.
The show, which opened with a performance by Zambia’s national dance team, showcases the lively rhythms and captivating energy of African dance. The pulsating beats of African drums set the stage for an immersive cultural experience, drawing visitors in to the heart of African tradition.
Beyond the captivating performances, the project is playing a significant role in strengthening cultural ties between China and Zambia. 2024 has been designated as the “China-Zambia Cultural and Tourism Year,” with the dance project serving as a powerful symbol of this growing relationship.
The success of the show has inspired ambitious plans for a new African tribal-themed park in Zhongwei. This immersive cultural experience, with an estimated cost of over 12 million yuan ($1.7 million), will feature dedicated stages for dance performances, an African cultural tourism and art center, a trade hub, and a Zambian cultural museum. These facilities will serve as platforms for future cultural and commercial exchange events, further enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
The initiative goes beyond cultural exchange, fostering economic cooperation between China and Zambia. Local authorities are working to introduce Zambian honey and coffee to Ningxia, while promoting Ningxia’s specialties—like Chinese wolfberry, red wine, and Helan stone—in African markets. This collaborative effort promises to strengthen economic and trade ties between the two regions, opening new avenues for growth and prosperity.
With its captivating performances, thriving cultural exchange, and promising economic potential, the African dance show in Ningxia is a testament to the power of cultural collaboration to drive tourism, foster understanding, and create new opportunities for growth.
