Ningbo showcases its cultural charm in Kazakhstan

Ningbo cultural hub is displayed in Astana. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Ningbo brought a taste of its rich cultural heritage to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on Nov 10.

The Ningbo-themed showcase featured a variety of local crafts including Yue kiln celadon porcelain, traditional Chinese knot buttons, colorful fishing lanterns, and other creative products. Visitors also sampled Ningbo specialties such as osmanthus cakes, rice cakes, and youzanzi, a traditional fried snack.

Interactive activities, including Chinese calligraphy and traditional seal printing, offered local residents a hands-on experience of Chinese culture. Tourism brochures and illustrated maps also introduced Ningbo's history, natural attractions and everyday life.

The showcase attracted considerable interest from local tourism professionals and residents. One Kazakhstani visitor said the event made her interested in traveling to Ningbo, adding that its traditional handicrafts and local delicacies gave her a vivid impression of the city's culture.

The showcase also featured at the closing ceremony of the 2026 China-Kazakhstan Year of Cultural Exchanges on Nov 9, alongside a contemporary dance production about composer Xian Xinghai jointly created by the National Center for the Performing Arts and Ningbo Performing Arts Group.

Through cultural exhibitions and artistic performances, Ningbo is strengthening people-to-people ties and opening new opportunities for tourism cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.