Saudi Deputy Minister of Culture Mai AlRasheed (R, front) and Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua (L, front) visit Saudi-Chinese cultural festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 25, 2025. A Saudi-Chinese cultural festival opened this week in Riyadh, capping a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries through art, technology, and heritage. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

RIYADAH, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A Saudi-Chinese cultural festival opened this week in Riyadh, capping a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries through art, technology, and heritage.

The Common Ground Festival, held at Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) Nonprofit City, marks the finale of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025. Launched on Wednesday by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the event features traditional handicrafts and contemporary works from both nations.

On Thursday, Saudi Deputy Minister of Culture Mai AlRasheed and Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua toured the pavilions, meeting artists and participants.

Highlights include a joint art exhibition of paintings and sculptures, as well as a virtual reality experience that takes visitors on an immersive tour of Beijing's Central Axis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site linking 15 major historic landmarks, including imperial gates, the Forbidden City, and ceremonial altars.

The festival coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Beijing. Chang said 2025 marked the first cultural year shared by the two countries, beginning with a Chinese New Year market in Riyadh and encompassing more than 60 events that reached millions of people.

Both sides are opening new avenues for cooperation through dialogue, artistic exchange, and knowledge sharing, a Ministry of Culture spokesperson, Abdulrahman Almutawa, said.

The festival runs through Jan. 6, 2026. ■

A Chinese folk artist displays calligraphy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 25, 2025. A Saudi-Chinese cultural festival opened this week in Riyadh, capping a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries through art, technology, and heritage. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

A participant displays calligraphy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 25, 2025. A Saudi-Chinese cultural festival opened this week in Riyadh, capping a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries through art, technology, and heritage. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

A Chinese folk artist displays traditional handicraft in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 25, 2025. A Saudi-Chinese cultural festival opened this week in Riyadh, capping a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries through art, technology, and heritage. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)