By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter
Chinese performers enthralled a large number of spectators at the Chinese Kung Fu Show held at Dragon Mart, Barwa Commercial Avenue, on Thursday.
The event is part of Dragon Mart’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations and a prelude to the Qatar- China Year of Culture 2016.
China’s signature dragon dance received loud cheers and applause during the opening salvo.
Wearing traditional Chinese costumes, the performers led a unique and colourful show, which continues until today for the first part and from July 16 to 18 for the second part.
Each of the performers portrayed different styles of Kung Fu martial arts on stage, such as the Shaolin stick, chain and bronze sword performances.
The traditional face-changing act is also expected to be a big draw in the coming days as well as the group and individual shows, including the Kung Fu Tea martial arts.
Dragon Mart logistics manager Yang Qi told Gulf Times that the Chinese Kung Fu Show is just one of the many cultural events that will take place in Doha.
“In co-operation with the Qatar-China Year of Culture 2016 organisers and the Chinese embassy, we expect to host big cultural activities and events in the future, especially next year,” he said.
Yang added that many Chinese performers are eager to experience performing in a country like Qatar.
A group of students from Chengdu also performed in Doha last year for the three-day Chinese cultural festival at Katara – the Cultural Village, which was initiated by the Chinese embassy.
Chengdu, home of the giant panda, is the capital city of the Chinese province of Sichuan.
The group, comprising young performers from various parts of China, was one of the biggest Chinese delegations to visit and perform in Doha.
Yang expressed confidence that Qatar and China will further strengthen their cultural ties through the staging of different festivals.
China has “always been passionate about showcasing its unique and rich culture and heritage to different countries around the world, especially GCC countries such as Qatar”.
The Chinese embassy has also been bringing Chinese artists to Doha and organising a number of art exhibitions at Katara.
Yang urged the public to watch the free shows at Dragon Mart to experience authentic Chinese culture.
The mall also has numerous Ramadan offers and special discounts for shoppers.