On Oct 29, the "Fei ye ran ye – Xiong'an Rongdong African art exhibition" launched at No. 79 Shanyong Road in the Rongdong area of Xiong’an New Area. The event was co-hosted by the Rongdong Administrative Committee of Xiong'an New Area and China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG), and organized by Beijing Zhongzhan Danqing Exhibition Co., Ltd. Nearly one hundred guests, including leaders from the Rongdong Administrative Committee and Wu Haidong, Deputy General Manager of China International Exhibition Agency, attended the opening ceremony.

Leaders of the Rongdong Administrative Committee highlighted that this exhibition marks a new beginning for Rongdong's efforts to broaden its horizons, positioning the area as a gateway where China connects with the world. Looking forward, Rongdong aims to welcome diverse art forms from around the globe, fostering deep dialogue between local and global cultures, tradition and modernity, classical and avant-garde expressions. By introduction of outstanding international culture, Rongdong will continue to cultivate its local heritage—unearthing Xiong'an's rich historical and cultural legacy and integrating it with contemporary aesthetics and new technologies—to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of local cultural traditions.

Wu Haidong emphasised that art is a universal language that transcends borders. Using art as a bridge to strengthen the China–Africa community with a shared future is not only a unique advantage of cultural exchange but also a mission of the times. He stated that the exhibition is both an artistic feast and a dialogue among civilizations. By bringing vibrant African art into a city representing China's future, the event creates an encounter between the traditional and the modern, the national and the global, shaping a new cultural narrative.

The exhibition showcases valuable works from the "Focus on Africa" program, including pieces created by visiting African artists during their residencies in China, as well as representative TingaTinga paintings that embody strong African cultural characteristics. Serving as a bridge for China–Africa cultural exchange, the exhibition echoes Xiong'an's vision of openness and forward-looking development. Initiated in 2008, the "Focus on Africa" program is an innovative international cultural exchange initiative supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Its artworks have toured multiple Chinese cities and have been exhibited abroad—accompanying national leaders on visits to Kenya, Botswana, Senegal and other African countries—becoming vivid symbols of international cultural dialogue.

The opening day attracted many Rongdong residents, who came to toured the exhibition. Hosting this exhibition in Xiong'an New Area is significant: as a model of China in the new era, Xiong'an has embraced openness and inclusiveness since its establishment. Presenting African art here aligns cultural practice with national strategies, transforming this "city of the future" into a new window for global cultural exchange and promoting cultural prosperity with a global vision and international standards.

The "Fei ye ran ye – Xiong'an Rongdong African art exhibition" brings diverse cultural vitality to Xiong'an New Area and adds an artistic chapter to China–Africa friendship.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge and will run until Nov 29 2025.