The day Chinese culture rocked Dar

THE sun hung high over Dar es Salaam last Saturday as the courtyard of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd slowly filled with color, rhythm, and excitement.

On one side, a group of young performers dressed in elegant silk costumes rehearsed the final strokes of a traditional Chinese dance, their graceful movements ac- companied by the soft hum of ancient melodies.

On another, curious onlookers gathered around a table where an artist carefully painted Chinese calligraphy, his brush gliding across white parchment with deliberate precision.

The aroma of freshly brewed Chinese tea mingled with the ocean breeze, inviting visitors to take a sip and step, for a moment, into an- other world. It was a day unlike any other in the bustling Tanzanian city, a day dedicated to celebrating the beauty of cultural exchange.

The occasion was the Chinese Culture Experience Day, hosted by CRJE (East Africa) Ltd, one of the region’s leading construction and engineering firms.

The event drew hundreds of participants from all walks of life, students, engineers, diplomats and members of the public, eager to experience the vibrant traditions of China right in the heart of Dar es Salaam.

More than just a celebration of art, food and tradition, the event symbolized the deep and growing partnership between China and Tanzania, a relationship that has long extended beyond trade and infrastructure into education, culture, and people-to-people cooperation.

The day’s festivities, rich in symbolism and color, reflected not only the shared history of collaboration but also the shared future of friendship and mutual growth. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Zhao Yufeng, the General Director of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd, warmly greeted the guests who had come to partake in the day’s cultural festivities.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the Chinese Culture Experience Day, jointly organized by our parent company CRCEG and CRJE,” he said.

“On behalf of the organizers, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and sincere appreciation to all our distinguished guests, especially our friends from the National Institute of Transport for joining us today.” Mr. Zhao described the event as more than just a cultural gathering, a living expression of friendship between the people of China and Tanzania.

“Today’s event is not only a celebration of Chinese culture but also a vivid expression of the friendship and mutual exchange between China and Tanzania,” he noted.

“Over the years, our two countries have enjoyed deep and enduring ties, rooted in mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. From the construction of the historic TAZARA Railway to the new generation of infrastructure projects and educational collaborations, the bond between our peoples continues to grow stronger and more vibrant.”

The TAZARA Railway, built in the 1970s, remains one of the most enduring symbols of Sino–Tanzania cooperation, a physical and historical bridge linking not just two nations but two continents in the spirit of partnership.

Decades later, companies like CRJE have carried that legacy forward, building not only roads and buildings but also trust and cross-cultural understanding. Mr. Zhao emphasized that cultural exchange is one of the most powerful ways to deepen mutual understanding between nations.

“As a Chinese enterprise rooted in Tanzania, we are committed not only to building high-quality projects but also to building bridges be- tween peoples. We believe that when we understand and appreciate each other’s culture, we strengthen the foundation for long-term co- operation and shared development,” he said.

He went on to explain that during the day, participants would have the chance to explore the customs and cuisine associated with China’s five major traditional festivals, including live demonstrations of calligraphy (书法), traditional music and tea art.

“Through these experiences, we hope to share the harmony, creativity and wisdom embedded in Chinese culture,” he said.

Before concluding, Mr. Zhao expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the organizers, performers and participants who had made the event possible.

“May this Chinese Culture Experience Day bring joy, inspiration, and friendship to everyone present,” he said.

The guest of honor, Dr. Khalfan Mashi, Dean of the Faculty of Transport Engineering and Technology at the National Institute of Transport (NIT), commended CRJE and its parent company CRCEG for organizing the meaningful event.

“It is a great pleasure and honor to join you today at the Chinese Culture Experience Day. On behalf of the Na- tional Institute of Transport, I extend sincere appreciation to the organizers for this initia- tive that promotes friendship and understanding between our two nations,” said Dr Mashi said.

He reflected on the long- standing cooperation between China and Tanzania, high- lighting how the two nations have consistently built on a foundation of trust and shared values.

“Today’s celebration is not only about discovering the beauty of Chinese traditions, it is also about celebrating friendship, understanding and partnership between Tanzania and China,” he said.

“From the historic TAZ- ARA Railway, which remains a symbol of China–Tanzania friendship, to modern infra- structure and academic ex- changes, this partnership continues to flourish.”

He also expressed gratitude to CRJE for its role in the construction and development of NIT’s engineering facilities, noting how the company’s professionalism and commitment have contributed significantly to improving the institute’s learning environment.

“Through your professionalism, efficiency and commitment to quality, CRJE has contributed significantly to the improvement of our campus infrastructure and the creation of a better learning environment for our students,” he said.

Dr. Mashi also pointed out that cultural and technical co- operation go hand in hand. “When we learn to under- stand and respect each other’s traditions, we strengthen the foundation for long-term part- nership, not only in infrastruc- ture and education, but also in mutual growth and develop- ment.”

He concluded his remarks with an appeal for continued collaboration between the two nations. “Once again, I would like to thank CRJE and CRCEG for organizing this event and for their contribution to the progress of our institute and our country. Let us continue to work together to promote friendship, share knowledge and build a better future for both of us,” he said.

Several guests expressed a newfound interest in learning the Chinese language or pursuing academic opportunities in China. Among them was Marystella Munissy, who praised CRJE for hosting an event that went beyond entertainment.

“The event has strengthened the bond between China and Tanzania. It was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Chinese culture and traditions. I hope we will continue to have more events like this that promote mutual learning and understanding,” she said.

She added that the event inspired her to learn more about Chinese language and culture, a sentiment shared by many in attendance.

“CRJE (East Africa) Ltd has proven itself to be a leader in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between China and East Africa.

We look forward to seeing more initiatives like this in the future.” Events like the Chinese Culture Experience Day do more than entertain; they cultivate mutual respect and empathy, laying the groundwork for stronger collaboration in every sector, from trade and education to technology and tourism.

As Tanzania continues to pursue its development goals and strengthen international partnerships, cultural diplo- macy such as this will remain an essential tool in building lasting global relationships.

The day’s success reaffirmed a simple truth: while infrastructure connects countries physically, culture connects them emotionally.

In the end, the Chinese Culture Experience Day was more than an event, it was a statement of friendship, a bridge of understanding, and a celebration of shared humanity between Tanzania and China.