The performances of the Jiangxi Cultural Performances Group dance drama “The Epic of China” (Tiangong Kaiwu) in Greece, with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) as the Gold Sponsor and directed by the internationally acclaimed creator Lu Chuan, were presented on November 6, 2025, at the Hellas House in Shanghai.
The promotional event was organized by the Organizing Committee of the China-Greece International Theatre Festival in anticipation of the production’s presentation in Athens from November 28 to 30, 2025, as part of the 3rd China-Greece International Theatre Festival. The event featured the artistic team of the Jiangxi Cultural Performances Group, including the play’s leading performer and internationally renowned dancer Ma Jiaolong.
The artistic team of the dance drama at the event venue.
China and Greece unite their arts and cultures
During the event, the Head of the GNTO China Office, Pavlos Mourmas, showcased the richness and timeless charm of Greek culture and tourism, noting that “Greece is not only the cradle of Western civilization but also a beloved destination for Chinese travelers. This pioneering model of ‘art + travel’ allows audiences to experience high-level art while simultaneously enjoying Greek hospitality, the sea, and history—turning art into a bridge that connects the hearts of the two peoples.”
Moment from the presentation by Pavlos Mourmas, Head of the GNTO China Office.
On the sidelines of the event, Mr. Mourmas also gave an interview to Shanghai TV, which was broadcast on the city’s main news program along with excerpts from his presentation, further promoting Greece to the broader Chinese audience.
Pavlos Mourmas, Head of the GNTO China Office, during his interview with Shanghai TV.
Director Lu Chuan, one of China’s most acclaimed filmmakers with international recognition and awards, emphasized that “the rational thought of Greek philosophy and the empirical logic of ancient Chinese technology represent profound explorations of the relationship between humanity and nature,” expressing hope that “the performance will resonate with the Athenian audience and create a dialogue of civilizations through art.”
Director Lu Chuan speaking at the event and during his Shanghai TV interview.
Xu Guanhua, President of the Jiangxi Cultural Performances Group, stated that “Tiangong Kaiwu, from Shanghai to Sydney and now to Athens, travels beyond oceans and continents, carrying Chinese art and the pursuit of perfection.”
Finally, Flora Wang Wanping, representing the Sino-Greek Association of Performing Arts, noted that “this collaboration confirms the steady pace of cultural convergence between China and Greece and serves as a model of ‘art + travel’ that enriches both sides.”
From the speeches of Xu Guanhua and Flora Wang Wanping.
The event was attended by the Consul General of Greece in Shanghai, Spyridon Kritikós; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) Vice-Rector, Nikos Maggioros; AUTH Professor and Director of the Confucius Institute at AUTH, Roula Tsokalidou; as well as representatives of leading travel organizations and agencies in Shanghai (Spring Tour International, Jin Jiang Travel, Caissa Touristic, UTour Group, China International Travel Service, Shanghai CYTS, and Bloom Travel Group), along with travel and culture influencers.
From right to left: Greek Consul General in Shanghai S. Kritikós, Chen Mingjie of the Confucius Institute at AUTH, AUTH Vice-Rector N. Maggioros, and AUTH Professor R. Tsokalidou.
Collaboration for promoting Greece in Chinese educational institutions
Within the framework of his mission in Shanghai, Mr. Mourmas also met with Professor Wang Yong, Secretary-General of the Center for the Chinese and Greek Civilizations and faculty member at Southwest University in Chongqing. The meeting explored opportunities for collaboration in promoting Greece through educational and cultural initiatives, including lectures, themed seminars, and public relations programs involving students and academics.
Southwest University, with over 60,000 students, is considered one of China’s leading educational institutions. This cooperation is expected to strengthen Greece’s cultural presence in western China, promoting Greek values and heritage to a new and youthful audience.
Meeting of Pavlos Mourmas with Professor Wang Yong and Wang Wanping.
Finally, it is noted that the Shanghai event received significant media coverage: the related article published by Tencent News / Shangguan News gathered over 1 million views within the first two days of release, while the feature on Shanghai TV’s main news broadcast reached an audience of millions of viewers.
