By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

In a bid to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between China and Nigeria, the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria has hosted an exhibition combining traditional Chinese calligraphy with virtual reality technology in Abuja.

The event, themed “Fan, Charm and Ink Fragrance, the Cultural Resonance of Traditional Calligraphy and Tang Dynasty Virtual Reality (VR),” held on Thursday in Abuja, brought together diplomats, government officials, academics, media practitioners and members of the Chinese community.

Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the exhibition was designed to blend traditional Chinese art with modern VR technology to create an immersive cultural experience.

He explained that the project brings together calligraphy, seal carving and painting with advanced digital tools to showcase both the historical depth and modern vitality of Chinese culture.

“The project, Elegance of Fan and Ink, a cultural dialogue between traditional calligraphy and night banquet in the Tang palace, uses the core concept of combining the virtual and the real to integrate traditional art exhibitions with cutting-edge VR technology experiences showcasing the profound heritage and contemporary vitality of Chinese culture,” he said.

Yang said the VR experience allows participants to explore historical Chinese settings, including the Tang Dynasty era, while engaging interactively with classical literary works.

“The VR experience centres on the preface to the pavilion of Prince Teng from the Journey Through China series, leveraging the immersive and interactive nature of VR technology,” he said.

He added that visitors can simulate calligraphy writing and participate in interactive cultural activities aimed at deepening appreciation of Chinese heritage.

The cultural counsellor noted that the exhibition also marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, as well as the China Africa Year of People to People Exchanges.

He said recent policy measures, including China’s zero tariff arrangement for several African countries including Nigeria, would further strengthen cultural and economic cooperation.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said the exhibition reflects the growing cultural and technological partnership between both countries.

He said Nigeria and China continue to expand collaboration across innovation, science and culture through existing bilateral agreements.

He added that cultural exchange remains a strong foundation for advancing broader development cooperation.

The exhibition will run at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja until July 10, allowing visitors to experience both the VR installation and traditional calligraphy displays.