Together in Celebration, Connected Through Culture! | 2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne Concludes Successfully

On 30 September, students, teachers, parents and distinguished guests gathered for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne, celebrating the students' achievements and reflecting on a memorable cultural journey filled with learning, discovery and meaningful experiences.

More than 800 attendees, including representatives from the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne, Victorian local government officials, representatives from 28 local Chinese community organisations, university scholars, educators from Qingdao, students and parents, came together to mark the successful conclusion of the 10-day immersive Chinese cultural program.

From their first experiences in the classroom to their confident performances on stage at the closing ceremony, students demonstrated remarkable growth through learning, exploration and hands-on participation.

Filled with laughter, applause and heartfelt farewells, this unforgettable cultural journey came to a memorable and meaningful close.

The closing ceremony of the 2026 Chinese Culture Paradise – Melbourne officially began in a warm and celebratory atmosphere. The venue was filled with laughter and excitement as everyone eagerly anticipated the students' performances, showcasing the skills, knowledge and confidence they had developed throughout the program.

During the ceremony, guest representatives delivered speeches congratulating the organisers on the successful completion of the program. They also expressed their sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers and staff for their hard work, as well as to the parents and students for their continued support and enthusiastic participation.

Jordan Chen

President of the Shandong Association and Chamber of Commerce of Victoria

MR PAUL HAMER MP

Member of the Victorian Parliament and Minister for Roads and Road Safety

Liu Dongyuan

Deputy Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Melbourne

MS KIRSTEN LANGFORD

Mayor of the City of Whitehorse

Zhang Jing

\Vice Dean of the School of International Cooperation, Qingdao Open University

MR NICK McGOWAN MP

Member of the Victorian Parliament

MR AIV PUGLIELLI MP

Member of the Victorian Parliament

Xu Qicheng

Principal of Qiaoyoushe Chinese Language School

Wu Songda, JP

Chairperson of the Melbourne Branch of the Hongmen Minzhi Party, Australia

Distinguished Guests Gather for a Group Photograph

A vibrant series of performances followed, featuring Tai Chi fan, Chinese folk songs, Peking Opera, traditional Chinese dance, classical poetry recitation, martial arts, hulusi (Chinese gourd flute), Mongolian dance and solo vocal performances. Traditional artworks created through paper-cutting, mother-of-pearl inlay and Chinese calligraphy were also proudly showcased at the event.

From dedicated learning in the classroom to confident performances on stage, the students expressed their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture in their own unique ways. Their achievements brought the cultural journey to life, making the evening a memorable celebration of learning, creativity and cultural heritage.

Tai Chi Fan Performance – Flute Melodies and Fan Martial Arts

Chinese Folk Song – Yimeng Mountain Folk Tune

Peking Opera Performance – The Art of Peking Opera Facial Makeup

Traditional Chinese Paper-Cutting – Floral Umbrellas: The Art of Paper-Cutting

Traditional Chinese Dance – Intoxicated by the Gentle Breeze

Classical Chinese Poetry Recitation – Childhood Through Classical Chinese Poetry

Chinese Martial Arts Performance – Young Warriors Chasing the Wind

Hulusi (Chinese Gourd Flute) Performance – Auld Lang Syne

Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Art – The Colourful Elegance of Chinese Heritage

Chinese Calligraphy – Brushstrokes Across Mountains and Rivers

Mongolian Dance – Chasing the Wind Across the Grasslands

From their initial curiosity and excitement when they first joined Chinese Culture Paradise to the confidence and poise they displayed on stage, the children have grown through every learning experience, showcasing their individual talents and achievements.

Every dedicated performance and every bright smile became a cherished memory of this unforgettable evening.

During the closing celebration, the children also marked a special milestone as they received their certificates of completion. Each certificate recognised their dedication, hard work and commitment throughout the program, serving as a meaningful keepsake of their cultural journey.

At the conclusion of the closing ceremony, teachers, students and distinguished guests gathered for a memorable group photograph.

The photograph captured more than just smiles. It preserved the shared experiences, meaningful connections and cherished memories of a cultural journey they had experienced together.