2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne Opens Successfully

On 20 September, the opening ceremony of the 2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne was successfully held at Templestowe College.

Distinguished guests, teachers, students and parents gathered to celebrate the official launch of the program, marking the beginning of a cultural journey featuring traditional Chinese arts, intangible cultural heritage, music and dance, martial arts, and classical Chinese studies.

Through a diverse range of cultural workshops and immersive experiences, the program provides young people in Melbourne with a unique opportunity to explore, experience and appreciate Chinese culture. It aims to bring China's rich cultural heritage closer to younger generations overseas in an engaging, interactive and accessible way.

A Cultural Journey Begins

Chinese Culture Paradise is more than just a cultural event. It is an opportunity for cultural exchange that connects people across borders.

A team of experienced educators has brought a diverse range of Chinese cultural programs to Melbourne, offering children the opportunity to discover and understand Chinese traditions through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences.

From the delicate brushstrokes of Chinese calligraphy to the balance of strength and grace in traditional martial arts; from the beautiful melodies of traditional Chinese music to the expressive movements of folk dance; and from intricate paper-cutting to the exquisite craftsmanship of mother-of-pearl inlay, the program brings together a rich variety of Chinese cultural traditions, opening a new window for children to explore China's cultural heritage.

Distinguished Guests Gather to Celebrate the Opening

The opening ceremony welcomed a number of distinguished guests, who delivered speeches and extended their warm congratulations and best wishes for the successful launch of Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne.

Cr Anna Chen, Councillor of Manningham City Council, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

Ms Ding Li, Consul (Counsellor Rank) for Education at the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

Mr Xu Qicheng, Principal of Qiaoyoushe School and representative of the event organiser, then delivered a speech.

Ms Zhang Jing, Dean of the Open University, delivered a speech.

Mr Chen Guangbao, President of the Shandong Association of Victoria and representative of the event's co-organiser, delivered a speech.

The distinguished guests extended their congratulations on the successful opening of Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne. They also expressed their hopes that the program would provide more young people overseas with opportunities to discover, learn about and experience traditional Chinese culture firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation of its rich heritage and unique charm through cultural exchange and hands-on participation.

Discovering Chinese Culture Through Martial Arts, Music and Dance

On the opening day, a series of captivating cultural performances brought energy and excitement to the celebration.

Martial arts instructors Fan Xingwei and Yang Long presented Shan He Wu Qi, a dynamic performance showcasing the strength, elegance and spirit of traditional Chinese martial arts. Every movement reflected the discipline, artistry and cultural depth of this centuries-old tradition.

Folk music instructor Zhao Furong performed a solo rendition of Jin Se, beautifully blending classical Chinese poetry with traditional vocal artistry. Her graceful performance brought the poetic beauty of Chinese culture to life through music.

Hulusi (traditional Chinese gourd flute) instructor Xu Zhongqiang performed The Wedding Vow, bringing the distinctive charm of traditional Chinese instrumental music to Melbourne through its gentle, melodious tones.

Dance instructors Sun Xiaoliang and Lin Yajie then presented Dance and Rhythm, a traditional Chinese folk dance performance that captured the elegance and beauty of Eastern aesthetics through graceful, flowing movements.

These captivating performances brought Chinese culture beyond the pages of textbooks, transforming it into a living experience that could be seen, heard, felt and explored firsthand.

Bridging Cultures Through Art and Friendship

A special presentation of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting also took place during the opening ceremony.

Qingdao Open University presented a specially created artwork titled Mei Kai Ya Ju (Plum Blossoms and an Elegant Gathering) to friends in Melbourne.

More than a work of art, it was a heartfelt gesture of friendship and cultural connection.

The blooming plum blossoms symbolise meaningful encounters and joyful gatherings. The artwork represents not only a thoughtful cultural gift from afar, but also a shared hope to strengthen friendship and cultural exchange between China and Australia.

Though separated by oceans, Qingdao and Melbourne are brought closer together through the shared appreciation of culture and art.

A Shared Cultural Connection Through Jasmine Flower

The opening ceremony concluded with a group performance of the classic Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower (Mo Li Hua), sung by all teachers and student representatives.

As the familiar melody filled the venue in Melbourne, teachers, students and distinguished guests came together to share in the moment.

The song evoked a sense of familiarity and connection with Chinese culture, while creating a shared cultural experience that transcended geographical boundaries.

It was a heartwarming and memorable highlight of the opening ceremony.

Following the performance, distinguished guests, teachers and students gathered for a group photograph, capturing a special moment of cultural exchange and friendship across borders.

From Watching to Experiencing: Bringing Traditional Chinese Culture to Life for Young Learners

The opening ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting cultural journey.

In the days ahead, the 2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne will offer a diverse range of classes and hands-on cultural experiences, encouraging students to move beyond watching performances and actively engage in learning and exploring Chinese traditions.

The program features a wide variety of cultural activities, including Chinese calligraphy, Mongolian dance, Shaolin Dragon Fist, traditional Chinese painting, hulusi (Chinese gourd flute), Chinese folk singing, Peking Opera mask painting, mother-of-pearl inlay, Tai Chi fan, Chinese dance, traditional paper-cutting and classical Chinese literature recitation.

Through martial arts movements, students will discover the discipline and spirit of Chinese martial arts. Through brushstrokes, they will appreciate the beauty of traditional calligraphy and painting. Through music and dance, they will explore the rhythms and elegance of Chinese performing arts. Most importantly, through hands-on participation, they will experience traditional culture in a meaningful and engaging way.

It is through these experiences that cultural heritage becomes more than something to learn about. It becomes something to understand, appreciate and carry forward.

A Celebration of Culture, A New Beginning

From the warm wishes of distinguished guests to the captivating performances by dedicated teachers, from the meaningful gift of traditional Chinese artwork to the shared singing of Jasmine Flower, the 2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne officially began its journey with a celebration of Chinese culture and heritage.

The opening ceremony was not only a moment of togetherness, but also the beginning of a new chapter.

For young people growing up overseas, understanding Chinese culture goes beyond language and textbooks. It comes to life through meaningful, firsthand experiences.

A martial arts performance, a traditional painting, a graceful dance or a familiar folk song can each open a window into the richness and beauty of Chinese culture.

Though oceans separate us, our shared cultural heritage brings us together.

May every child who takes part in this cultural journey find opportunities to explore, discover and grow.

And may the seeds of Chinese culture continue to take root an