The Vista Chinesa in Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was built in the early 1900s. It is a Chinese-style pagoda-like structure that offers breathtaking views of the Rio city and stands as a permanent homage to first Chinese tea farmers coming to Brazil.
In recent years, Chinese elements have become increasingly prominent in Rio de Janeiro. In 2018, the Rio de Janeiro State designated Aug 8 as China-Rio de Janeiro Friendship Day. In 2022, the city of Rio established Sept 28 as Mandarin Day. In Rio de Janeiro State, Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is recognized as an official holiday.
In the early 19th century, a group of Chinese tea farmers brought tea seeds and saplings to Brazil, aiming to grow tea and introduce cultivation techniques. The planting site at the time was located within what is now the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.
Both Beijing and Rio have hosted the Summer Olympics — Beijing in 2008 and Rio in 2016 — and the Games spirit is embedded in both cities.
On Aug 4, 2016, during the opening of the Rio Olympics, the National Stadium, nicknamed Bird's Nest, was illuminated with the Rio Olympic emblem to celebrate 30 years of friendship between the two cities.
As exchanges between China and Brazil have deepened in recent years, more aspects of Brazilian culture have made their way into China. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one such example, gaining increasing popularity in Beijing and becoming a new highlight in the cultural exchange between the two countries.
Brazil was the guest of honor for the Beijing International Film Festival, held in April, as China and Brazil celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties this year. Brazilian film director Carlos Saldanha was invited to serve as a juror for the Tiantan Award.
"Movies can bridge cultures by speaking to the universal human experience. I would be thrilled to collaborate with any Chinese filmmaker passionate about creating something that resonates not only with our countries but with audiences worldwide," Saldanha said.
In September this year, the Copacabana Fort Orchestra from Rio de Janeiro was invited to Beijing to participate in a reception celebrating 50 years of China-Brazil relations.
"Every place we visited, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, conveyed a sense of grandeur and tradition that was deeply inspiring. What truly marked this experience was the warmth and hospitality we encountered at each performance and meeting," said Marcia Melchior, coordinator and artistic director of the Copacabana Fort Orchestra.
The orchestra, in recognition of its artistic achievements, was recently designated an intangible cultural heritage of the Rio de Janeiro State.
"We're very happy with this recognition," Melchior said. "Without the support of CNOOC Brazil, we would not have come this far."
Chen Yang, director of the Pacific Rim Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, said, "Standing on the new milestone of China-Brazil 50 years of relations, we will continue to strengthen the friendship between Beijing and Rio de Janeiro, fostering greater fruits in their cooperation."
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