At the invitation of the Indian CD Foundation, the Heyun Art Troupe from Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, visited New Delhi and Hyderabad for cultural exchange that spanned 10 days in late August.

Indian guests holding Yangzhou crafts pose for a photo with a troupe member. [Photo/WeChat account: yzwsxlt]
During performances in New Delhi and Hyderabad, the Yangzhou troupe presented traditional Chinese arts, including Yangzhou rod puppetry, opera, folk music and martial arts, offering Indian audiences a glimpse into the aesthetics and traditions of Chinese culture.
Culinary and intangible cultural heritage showcases provided another highlight of the exchange. Visitors had the opportunity to sample classic Huaiyang cuisine and experience traditional Chinese arts such as tea ceremony, incense appreciation, guqin (a seven-string zither) music and lacquer-fan making.

A showcase of Chinese tea ceremony attracts Indian visitors. [Photo/WeChat account: yzwsxlt]
The cultural exchanges created opportunities for broader cooperation. During the visit, companies from Yangzhou, such as Yangzhou Xinyu Machinery Manufacturing and Muyang Group, engaged with representatives from the Indian government and businesses to explore potential opportunities for future collaboration.
Promotional videos showcasing Yangzhou's Grand Canal heritage, rich history and modern industries were screened during the events, offering Indian audiences a closer view of the city. Many attendees expressed interest in visiting Yangzhou.

A group photo of the Heyun Art Troupe. [Photo/WeChat account: yzwsxlt]
Since its establishment in 2024, the Heyun Art Troupe has visited several countries and regions, including Djibouti, South Korea and Zimbabwe, to promote cultural exchanges through art. Their most recent visit to India marked another significant step in this endeavor, as they shared the culture and stories of Jiangsu and Yangzhou with Indian audiences, fostering friendship between the two countries.