The year 2025 has been a turning point in the cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and China.
With the launch of the Saudi–Chinese Cultural Year 2025 in March, the Ministry of Culture set the stage for an outstanding series of programs and events that showcased heritage, creativity, and deep understanding.
The cultural year not only boosted the cultural and artistic scene in both nations but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and historical ties between their peoples.
In this report, Leaders MENA Magazine invites readers to explore vivid glimpses of initiatives and partnerships that have enriched the cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and China.
Archaeological Excavation at Al-Sirrain
As part of a Saudi-Chinese agreement, Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has completed the third season of the archaeological excavation at the Al-Sirrain site in Al-Lith governorate, Makkah region.
In collaboration with China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, the initiative seeks to exchange knowledge and expertise in archaeological excavation, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Through the precise studying of residential areas, city planning as well as connections to other urban centers, the excavation aimed at offering a deeper understanding of the site.
During the excavation, researchers discovered various artifacts, including pottery, stone vessels, decorative items, a gold dinar from the mid-second Hijri century and Chinese porcelain. They also found gravestones with distinctive carvings.
Mutual Executive Programs
Saudi Ministry of Culture signed an executive program with the China-Arab Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Research Center in June.
The program was signed by Deputy Minister for Research and Cultural Heritage Affairs, Dr. Maha Abdullah Alsenan, and Vice President of Beijing International Studies University and member of the Joint Committee of the China-Arab Research Center for Cultural and Tourism Cooperation, Cheng Wei, at the headquarters of the Culture Ministry in Diriyah.
This collaboration supported research exchange and encouraged joint conferences and symposiums to discuss cultural issues in both countries.
The program also facilitated visits by Saudi researchers to Chinese universities and research centers, as well as by Chinese researchers to Saudi universities and research centers.
Chinese ‘Sound of Harmony’ Exhibition
The National Museum in Riyadh hosted “The Sound of Harmony: A Journey Through Ancient Chinese Music” Exhibition in September to further boost Saudi-Chinese cultural cooperation.
By displaying more than 100 rare musical artifacts, the “The Sound of Harmony” took visitors on a unique educational and artistic journey through the evolution of Chinese music across millennia.
Highlights featured ancient bone flutes, bronze bells, the traditional guqin, and the twelve lü pipes—each piece mirroring the deep connection between music, ritual practice, and cultural identity in China.
Interestingly, the exhibition encompassed five main sections, as follows:
- “In Tune with Heaven and Earth”
- “Echoes from Stone and Bronze”
- “Mutual Melodies Between Regions and Strangers”
- “A Tribute to Chinese Musical Heritage”
- “Mountains and Waters, Wind in the Forest”
These sections offered insightful glimpses into China’s musical experience, from the earliest instruments designed to communicate with nature, to music’s pivotal role in rituals and social systems, its interaction with neighboring cultures, as well as its enduring presence in both imperial and folk traditions.
The exhibition also featured archaeological artifacts, showcasing a comprehensive view on the philosophical and spiritual role of music in Chinese civilization.
The Museums Commission noted that bringing this exhibition to Riyadh marks a remarkable milestone in cultural collaboration between both Saudi Arabia and China. It highlights the strength of bilateral ties as the two nations expand the horizons of their partnership across several fields.
Saudi Film Nights
In November, Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission organized the third edition of Saudi Film Nights for the second time in China, screening four Saudi feature films across three major cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.
The lineup featured the following works:
- Hobal
- My Driver and I
- Slave
- Esaaf
To boost cultural and creative exchange between the two countries, the Saudi Film Nights hosted several open dialogue sessions for the filmmakers, offering an opportunity to interact and answer questions from the public and Chinese media.
Screenings took place in China’s premier cinemas, known for their central locations and state-of-the-art technical facilities. Therefore, audiences can enjoy a fully immersive and amazing viewing experience.
The event was one of the Saudi Film Commission’s ongoing initiatives to foster the presence of Saudi cinema on the global map and further strengthen cultural collaboration with China.
That is why the 2025 edition is part of the Saudi–Chinese Cultural Year, spotlighting the evolving partnership between Saudi Arabia and China and encouraging more cultural exchange through cinema and the arts.
Chinese Film Nights
The Vox Cinema Red Sea in Jeddah hosted the “Chinese Film Nights” festival in December, showcasing six movies.
The Saudi Film Commission also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the pioneering Chinese Film producer and distributor Bona Film Group, during a visit by the Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah to China.
The agreement will see both sides cooperating in film distributions including Saudi movies in both the Kingdom and China.
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