CAPE TOWN — A captivating gala performance by a Chinese arts troupe wowed the audience on Saturday evening in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa.

It was part of celebrations for the Chinese New Year, which is also known as Spring Festival.

The talented performers were from Henan province, and their varied show at the Westin Cape Town hotel featured martial arts, acrobatics, magic show, Yuju Opera, as well as traditional Chinese songs and dances.

Welcoming the guests to the event, China's consul general in Cape Town, You Wenze, said the renowned troupe planned to give the beautiful city of Cape Town an enchanting performance showcasing the richness of Chinese culture.

"Tonight's spectacular performance will undoubtedly transport us to the heart of China, allowing us to experience the cultural treasures that have been passed down through generations," he says.

The consul general also expressed the hope that more pragmatic cooperation between the two nations would be achieved in the new year.

Speaking on the occasion, Sylvia Lucas, deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (upper house) of the Parliament of South Africa, said that the relationship between China and South Africa has long transcended the bilateral scope and become a shining model for relationships between China and Africa.

"In the past 25 years, the special and friendly relationship between China and South Africa has grown from strength to strength," she says. "It epitomizes cooperation between the rising markets of the Global South."

Lucas also expressed her wish that the friendship between the Chinese and South African people would continue to prosper in the new year.

Located to the south of the country's "Mother River", the Yellow River, Henan enjoys a significant position as the birthplace of the Chinese nation, and is known for its many historical sites, cultural heritage and tourism resources, says Li Yanqing, deputy director general of the culture and tourism department of Henan province.

Li extended an invitation to all South Africans to visit and explore Henan, and experience the ancient charm of China.

The Spring Festival falls on Feb 10 this year.

Xinhua