Guizhou's 'Village T' kicks off New Zealand tour with culture exchange

The delegation performs traditional Guizhou ethnic dances in New Zealand. [Photo/ddcpc website]

Accepting a formal invitation from the Maori tribes of Rotorua, a 25-member delegation from Guizhou's "Village T" traveled to New Zealand on Aug 19 for a cross-border cultural exchange with the local indigenous community.

This cultural exchange in Rotorua marks the beginning of Guizhou "Village T" debut at New Zealand Fashion Week.

The delegation comprised members from the Han, Miao, Dong, Yi, Shui, Choson, Gelao, and Mulao ethnic groups — all grassroots community models deeply rooted in the mountains and passionate about their ethnic traditions.

Maori community warmly welcomes the Guizhou delegation. [Photo/ddcpc website]

At the exchange event, the Maori community greeted the delegation with the highest honors, performing traditional war dances, chants, and songs as part of authentic indigenous rituals.

In return, the Guizhou "Village T" delegation performed Miao folk songs and the Dong Grand Songs, showcasing China's intangible cultural heritage. Hand in hand, performers from both cultures shared the stage, using traditional attire and music as a bridge for a two-way cultural exchange.

The Guizhou delegation also presented the Maori community with local specialties, including Kaili sour soup, Guizhou baijiu, and Miao glutinous rice wine, sharing the flavors of Guizhou's landscape and the warmth of China's countryside. The delegation also invited the Maori people to visit Guizhou and experience its ethnic culture and modern rural vitalization firsthand.