Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu in BEIJING, China
THE Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda on Tuesday toured the Beijing Performing Arts Centre as part of his ongoing visit to China aimed at strengthening media and cultural exchanges between Zimbabwe and China.
Dr Soda was taken through the state-of-the-art facility whose architectural design is inspired by ancient canal granaries, earning it the title of a “Cultural Granary.”
Covering about 125 000 square metres, the performing arts centre comprises three independent buildings housing four indoor theatres, the Opera House, Concert Hall, Drama Theatre and Small Theatre, as well as an outdoor amphitheatre.
Officials at the centre said the facility has so far attracted more than 54 000 audience members and over 96 000 visitors, making it one of the major cultural attractions in Beijing.
Dr Soda was briefed on the role the arts centre plays in promoting cultural development, performing arts and tourism in China through modern infrastructure and technology-driven experiences.
The Minister later toured the Beijing Library where he witnessed how China has integrated smart technology into modern library systems while maintaining a strong reading culture among citizens.
The visit comes as Dr Soda leads a delegation of Zimbabwean media practitioners attending a seminar organised by the Academy for International Business Officials in China aimed at strengthening media capacity and deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
