Beijing, April 23 – Title: Chongqing and Hainan Jointly Showcase Ethnic Culture, “Chongqing Sees Pomegranate Red” Blooms in Beijing

On April 23, the second phase of the 2026 Chinese Excellent Cultural Experience Project opened at the Chinese National Community Experience Hall in Beijing. This round of exhibitions is jointly hosted by Chongqing and Hainan, with the theme “Chongqing and Hainan, a Thousand Miles Apart, Share One Heart Across Mountains and Seas,” fully reflecting the deep bonds of brotherhood and mutual support within the Chinese national family.

Joint Effort of Chongqing and Hainan, Drawing a Shared Circle

The Chinese National Community Experience Hall is the first national-level cultural exhibition and experience platform in China, centered on the core theme of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. It bears the important mission of telling the story of the Chinese national community, building a shared spiritual home for the Chinese nation, and promoting extensive exchanges, interactions, and integration among all ethnic groups.

At the opening ceremony, Chongqing presented Miao dance “Jiao A Yi” and Sichuan opera stunts “Face Changing and Fire Spitting,” while Hainan showcased Li ethnic cultural performances. Together, they performed the co-created dance “Weaving Cards, Weaving Cards + Weaving the Moon,” using intangible cultural heritage brocade as a cultural bond to vividly interpret the profound meaning of the Chinese nation’s diversity in unity, where each beauty is unique and beauty is shared.

This joint exhibition is a wonderful dialogue between the ethnic cultures of Chongqing and Hainan, a mutual learning of their ethnic work experiences, and a vivid microcosm of how regions in the new era work together to promote the building of the Chinese national community.

Pomegranate Flowers Bloom, Showing Family Unity

The Chongqing exhibition area, with the overall theme “Chongqing Sees Pomegranate Red, Building the Chinese Dream Together,” involves the joint participation of five ethnic autonomous counties: Qianjiang, Shizhu, Xiushan, Youyang, and Pengshui. The core concept of “all ethnic groups clinging together like pomegranate seeds” runs throughout the entire process. Through various forms such as static displays, dynamic performances, digital interactions, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and rotating county exhibitions, it comprehensively showcases Chongqing’s responsibility and practical achievements in advancing the building of the Chinese national community.

The exhibition is set up with six indoor halls and five outdoor display areas. Among the indoor halls, the “Pomegranate Flowers Bloom” hall focuses on the “Chongqing Sees Pomegranate Red” work brand, systematically presenting Chongqing’s practical results in ethnic work. The “Blood Integration” hall uses archaeological discoveries, historical artifacts, and major events to trace the history of exchanges, interactions, and integration in the Bayu region from prehistoric civilization to the modern revolution. The “Striving Forward” hall concentrates on showcasing Chongqing’s positioning as a “key strategic fulcrum for the development of Western China in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening up,” empowering ethnic unity and progress through high-quality development, presenting a new look of thriving industries, beautiful ecology, and prosperous people.

The “Chongqing Sees Intangible Heritage” hall uses interactive experiences, audio-visual materials, and digital installations to showcase Chongqing’s intangible cultural heritage, allowing visitors to intuitively feel the charm of Bayu intangible heritage and enhance cultural identity. The “New Charm of Chongqing” hall uses large-screen images to present the cityscape of Chongqing and the new development of ethnic regions. The “Chongqing Gifts for All” hall innovatively adopts a rotating county exhibition model, combining “static displays with dynamic experiences” to create a flowing window of ethnic culture, showcasing the unique beauty and shared beauty of southeastern Chongqing.

The outdoor display areas are carefully designed with a theme image wall, a wall showcasing scenic spots of southeastern Chongqing, and a theme sculpture “Pomegranate Unity, Seeds Close Together,” organically integrating the “Pomegranate Red” main visual, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Bayu landmarks, Xilan Kapu patterns, and ethnic unity slogans. During the exhibition period, Chong

Chinese National Community Experience Hall

The Chinese National Community Experience Hall is a cultural exhibition space in China dedicated to showcasing the unity and diversity of the country’s 56 ethnic groups. It highlights the history, traditions, and shared development of these communities under the concept of the “Chinese national community,” promoting mutual understanding and harmony. The hall often features interactive displays, artifacts, and educational programs that reflect China’s efforts to foster ethnic solidarity and cultural preservation.

Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River—comprising Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges—are a renowned scenic stretch in central China, famous for their dramatic cliffs, misty peaks, and cultural significance. Historically, they have been a vital transportation route and inspiration for poets and artists for over two millennia, while also serving as a natural barrier. Their landscape was transformed by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2012, which reshaped the area for hydroelectric power and flood control.

Bayu

Bayu, often associated with the ancient Ba culture in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions of China, refers to a historical and cultural area known for its distinct traditions, music, and dance. The term “Bayu” combines “Ba,” an ancient kingdom that flourished from the Zhou dynasty, and “Yu,” an old name for the Chongqing area. Today, Bayu culture is celebrated through folk performances like the Bayu dance and is preserved in local customs, reflecting the region’s rich history and vibrant heritage.

Miao

The term “Miao” refers to an ethnic minority group in China, primarily found in the mountainous regions of Guizhou, Yunnan, and Hunan provinces. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, the Miao people are known for their rich cultural traditions, including intricate silver jewelry, vibrant embroidery, and distinctive festivals. Despite historical migration and displacement, they have preserved a strong sense of identity through their unique language, customs, and communal way of life.

Sichuan opera

Sichuan opera, or Chuanju, is a traditional Chinese performing art from Sichuan province, known for its lively music, comedic sketches, and famous “face-changing” (bian lian) technique where performers rapidly swap colorful masks. Its history dates back over 300 years to the Ming and Qing dynasties, blending local folk songs, dances, and storytelling with influences from other regional operas. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural symbol, celebrated for its dramatic acrobatics and unique visual effects.

Li ethnic

The Li ethnic group is one of China’s 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities, primarily residing on Hainan Island. With a history dating back thousands of years, they are considered the earliest known inhabitants of the island, having developed a unique culture centered on agriculture, weaving, and intricate textile arts. Their traditional customs, including the vibrant “March Third” festival and distinctive brocade patterns, reflect a deep connection to their ancestral heritage and natural surroundings.

Qianjiang

Qianjiang is a district located in Chongqing, China, known for its scenic mountain landscapes and rich Tujia and Miao ethnic culture. Historically, it was a key area along the ancient Shu Road and developed as a center for trade and military defense. Today, it attracts visitors for its natural beauty, such as the Xiaonanhai National Geopark, and its vibrant folk traditions.

Shizhu

Shizhu, located in Chongqing, China, is a county renowned for its rich Tujia ethnic culture and natural scenery. Historically, it was established during the Tang Dynasty and became an important center for the Tujia people, who have preserved their unique traditions, including colorful festivals and distinctive architecture. Today, Shizhu is also known for its lush forests and the scenic Huangshui National Forest Park, making it a popular destination for cultural and eco-tourism.