A gala event marking the conclusion of the Kazakhstan-China Year of Culture was held in Astana. The Kalibek Kuanyshbayev Kazakh National Music and Drama Theater hosted a concert featuring artists from both countries and a thematic exhibition, introducing guests to the rich cultural traditions of Kazakhstan and China.
Thanks to the friendly relations between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping, cooperation between the two countries has reached a qualitatively new, unprecedented level. The Year of Culture has given additional impetus to our humanitarian ties. It has allowed us to become even more familiar with each other's history, traditions, and art, opening up new opportunities for joint creative projects. I am confident that art and culture will continue to serve as a bridge of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples. Therefore, we view the conclusion of the Year of Culture not as the end of a specific stage, but as the beginning of new interesting initiatives and joint projects," the minister noted.
During the year, approximately 40 cultural events were organized in Kazakhstan and China. These included the "Culture of the Nomads of the Great Steppe" exhibition at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, a joint exhibition with the Shanghai Art Collections Museum in Almaty, and events in Beijing dedicated to National Dombra Day, Abai Day, and the 180th anniversary of Zhambyl Zhabayev.
The development of cultural centers has become an important area of ​​cooperation. The Kazakhstan Cultural Center in Beijing has already become a platform for introducing Chinese audiences to our country's culture. A Chinese Cultural Center is expected to open in Astana by the end of the year.
The concert program brought together Kazakh and Chinese artists. Performances included Medet Shotabayev, Rukhiya Baidukenova, the Birlik dance ensemble, the dombra ensemble of the Kulyash Baiseitova Kazakh National University of Arts, and soloists of the Ningbo Song and Dance Theater, Zhao Lu and Xu Yongjia. The program featured a special celebration of the friendship between Kazakh composer Bakhytzhan Baikadamov and the distinguished Chinese composer Xian Xinghai. Their creative bond exemplifies the sincere human support and spiritual affinity between representatives of the two nations. A choreographic performance and a photo exhibition were dedicated to this story, once again emphasizing that art is a universal language uniting people and cultures.
Guests also viewed examples of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including Ningbo porcelain, decorative lanterns, and woven bells.
The Kazakhstan-China Year of Culture opened on March 31, 2026, with a gala concert in Beijing.