A Chinese medical practitioner who has lived in Peru for over two decades said that he hopes to become a bridge for communication and thriving friendship between the two countries.
Pan Chengzun currently works in the fields of Chinese traditional medicine and media. In 1996, he became the first acupuncturist at the Hospital of EsSalud in Peru.
Through interactions with locals, Pan has found many points of cultural crossover between China and Peru and notes that the people of both nations share important values.
"During the more than 20 years I've live in Peru, I have participated in many activities between China and Peru. Those were part of my life. I feel proud for myself being the messenger between China and Peru because I love both countries. I feel grateful for doing my best and contributing to the relationship between two countries. I found many similarities between China's culture and Peruvian culture, For example, the sense of family and friendship. For most of the Peruvians, family values and friendship are one of the most important things in their life," he said.
Pan has dedicated himself to promoting friendly relations between the two countries, participating in cultural exchanges and taking pride in facilitating communication between Peru and China.
Peru was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties and a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is also the first Latin American country to sign a package of free trade agreements with China.
At present, China is Peru's largest trade partner, largest export market, and largest source of imported goods, while Peru is China's fourth largest trade partner in Latin America. In 2023, their bilateral trade volume reached 37.691 billion U.S. dollars, representing a year-on-year growth of 0.8 percent, according to official data.
"Peru and China have a strong economic complementarity, the rich natural resources of Peru come together with the generosity and experience of China, a very good base to exchange and support for both countries. Since 2013, China become the number one trading partner of Peru until now. We can see a very good relationship between China and Peru. I'm very sure this relationship will continue for many more years," said Pan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima and pay a state visit to Peru from Nov 13 to 17 at the invitation of President of the Republic of Peru Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra.
APEC Peru 2024 will be the annual meeting of the leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, scheduled from Nov 10 to 16. The meeting in Lima will be the third time for Peru to host the meeting after 2008 and 2016.
Overseas Chinese hopes to become cultural messenger between China, Peru
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
