The Guangzhou International Friendship City Arts Troupe held the 2025 Guangzhou Culture Week · Guangzhou International Sister Cities Art Ensemble in Vancouver from April 17 to 21. 

Organized by the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office and the Guangzhou Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau, the event was themed "40 Years of Friendship: A New Journey of Cultural Exchange." It showcased the rich heritage of Chinese culture, the vibrancy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and Guangzhou's legacy as a millennia-old commercial hub through performances, tourism promotions, and collaborative discussions.

Marking the 40th anniversary and coinciding with the 15th National Games (to be hosted jointly by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao), the arts troupe delivered two sold-out performances and an interactive exhibition that blended Lingnan cultural heritage with sports themes. The lineup featured elite artists from Guangzhou's leading cultural institutions, including the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater, Guangzhou Cantonese Opera House, Guangdong Music and Quyi Troupe, and Guangzhou Acrobatic Arts Theater.

Highlights included acrobatics, dance, instrumental music, and Cantonese opera segments performed by China Drama Meihua Award-winning artists, who earned thunderous applause and standing ovations from enthusiastic audiences.

In addition to the performances, the week included a Guangzhou tourism promotion event that utilized immersive visuals, photo exhibitions, and storytelling to highlight the city's historical depth and modern innovations. A dedicated section promoted "sports + culture" tourism products tied to the National Games, emphasizing Guangzhou's integration of traditional heritage with contemporary athleticism. The troupe also engaged with local cultural, arts, and tourism organizations to discuss collaboration opportunities, aiming to establish long-term partnerships.

"This event is not only a heartfelt tribute to our four-decade friendship but also a vital step to deepen cultural ties," said a Guangzhou tourism official. "We hope Guangzhou Culture Week inspires more international friends to explore and embrace Guangzhou, supporting its goal of becoming a world-class tourism destination."

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim officially declared April 16–22 as "Guangzhou Culture Week" in the city, honoring the enduring cooperation between the two cities. On April 19, a celebratory dinner at Fu Da Restaurant in Vancouver's Chinatown featured additional performances and interactions between the troupe and local diaspora communities, underscoring shared cultural pride.

The 2025 Guangzhou Culture Week not only reinforced the bond between Vancouver and Guangzhou but also bridged Chinese cultural traditions with global audiences, leaving a lasting impression of Guangzhou's artistic brilliance and open spirit. As the arts troupe concludes its tour, the event paves the way for future exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between China and Canada.

Photo | Guangzhou FAO