Ugandan Delegation Visits Hecun African Cultural Park

A delegation from Uganda embarked on an extraordinary journey of exchanges as they visited the Hecun African Cultural Park in Kaifu District, Changsha City on July 2. 

A delegation from Uganda visits the Hecun African Cultural Park in Kaifu District, Changsha. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Kaifu District Committee)

Hecun African Cultural Park is located in Kaifu District's Shaping Town, a national 4A-level scenic spot and the hometown of Hunan Embroidery. It is one of the first parks in Hunan Province to acquire both the provincial five-star and national four-star farm certification. It was founded by Wang Senbo in 2017. The aim is to offer an immersive experience of authentic African customs to the public, right in Kaifu. More than 10 African artists have been invited to reside within the park, where they can create artistic works.

During the visit, the Ugandan delegation was deeply impressed by wood carvings of tropical animals, Chieftain Chair, African-style thatched huts and other familiar elements and scenes. In addition, oil paintings and wood art works created by African artists are on display at the China-Africa Friendship Museum, serving as a testament to the local appreciation and respect for African culture.

A delegation from Uganda visits the Hecun African Cultural Park in Kaifu District, Changsha.(Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Kaifu District Committee)

The Hecun African Cultural Park not only provides Chinese people with the opportunity to experience African culture right at their doorstep, but also acts as a platform for China-Africa exchanges. Brain, a Ugandan sculpture artist who resides in Hunan, along with his partners, has been communicating with local culture and art inheritors, as well as professionals from various other fields all year round. Through their interactions, they not only learn about the local culture, but also acquire knowledge in tea art, beekeeping, flower growing, fish farming and other skills. These skills are later brought back to Africa, contributing to the integration of Hunan culture and African culture in their home country.

Uganda's Ambassador to China Oliver Wonekha said that through this visit, she deeply felt that Uganda has benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative and the enduring friendship between the people of China and Africa, and the development of China and Africa is one step closer to the shared goals and visions.

Kang Zhenlin, vice mayor of Changsha and chairman of the Changsha Municipal Federation of Industry and Commerce, wished China and Africa to sing the melody of friendship and write a brilliant chapter in Changsha. He hoped that Uganda and Changsha could make good use of such platforms as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, and the Hunan Pilot Free Trade Zone Changsha Area, and join hands and work together to carry out in-depth cooperation and exchanges. This will help continuously enhance the friendship and economic and trade exchanges between Uganda and Changsha.