Performers showcase Chinese culture through Dunhuang dance. [Photo/Lanzhou Daily]

Cultural troupes from Gansu province have captivated audiences on four continents with a series of performances showcasing Dunhuang's artistic heritage.

The cultural exchange event, organized by Gansu Performing Arts Group, featured 24 shows and multiple interactive activities over the course of 12 days in early 2026.

The journey began in Algiers, Algeria, where artists staged a flash mob at the historic Grande Poste d'Alger. Dancers in elaborate costumes performed classic pieces from the renowned Legend on the Silk Road, accompanied by traditional Chinese music, drawing a large crowd of onlookers.

In Tunisia, the troupe presented excerpts from the same dance drama. Audiences were mesmerized by segments like Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva, which vividly brought Dunhuang's Buddhist art to life.

In Rabat, Morocco, Gansu musicians surprised local attendees by performing a well-known Moroccan folk song on traditional Chinese instruments, creating a powerful moment of intercultural connection.

Simultaneously, the group's acrobats toured Cuba and Panama. Their innovative acts blended traditional skills with local themes.

One performance humorously depicted the process of making Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, while another drew inspiration from the flying figures in Dunhuang's murals, showcasing the diversity of Gansu's cultural heritage. A separate ensemble also performed in Macao.

The initiative reflects Gansu Performing Arts Group's long-term commitment to cultural exchange. Over the past five years, the group has staged 125 performances in 28 countries, using art to build bridges between different cultures.