RIYADH: Visitors to the Saudi capital have been sampling a taste of the Orient at a Chinese-themed zone set up as part of the Riyadh Season of activities.
The dedicated area at the city’s Boulevard World entertainment site is showcasing China’s rich culture through food, merchandise, art, and architecture.
Lendrick Scott was displaying his paper cartoon artwork at the event.
He told Arab News: “This is a symbol of good luck for Chinese and in the spring festival we put them in windows to bring good luck for parents, children, and others.”
The zone’s food corner offers items such as fried noodles and savories, along with restaurants serving a range of Chinese dishes, and there are shops containing Chinese paintings, calligraphy, writings, art, musical instruments, and pottery.
Salman Al-Ajmi, a Saudi expert on Chinese history working at one of the gift stores, said: “Most of the visitors don’t know much about Chinese culture or history. But when they see how proud the Chinese are about their traditions, like us Saudis are with ours, they appreciate it.”
Candles, traditional fans, and small umbrellas for women, are among products available from the shop.
Mohammed Al-Fardan, who was visiting the zone with his family, said: “It is nice to watch the traditional performances by groups who have come from China.”
Visitors can experience drinking tea in a traditional Chinese garden seating area while learning about different leaf varieties and their therapeutic uses.
