China Cultural Centre in Malta

📜 Between the Lines: The Civilization Code of Chinese Characters

Discover the fascinating story of Chinese characters and embark on a 5,000-year journey through the world’s only ancient writing system that has been continuously used without interruption.

📍 Venue: China Cultural Centre in Malta, Valletta
📅 Date: 23 June– 15 September 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Only open on weekdays)

✨ Special VR Highlight

🎮 Guardian of Chinese Characters – A Journey Through Five Realms

Experience a 22-minute immersive VR adventure and become the "Guardian" of Chinese characters. Travel through five realms, from ancient oracle bone inscriptions to modern calligraphy, and witness the living soul of Chinese civilization through a first-person journey.

🎨 Celebrating Art, Friendship, and Cultural Exchange 🎨

This morning, the China Cultural Centre in Malta hosted a wonderful awards ceremony for the 16th Edition Art Competition. We were honored to welcome H.E. Ambassador Zhang Zuo, China Cultural Centre Director Chen Xiao, Director Dr. Alice Micallef and Dr. Charmaine Zammit from the Ministry of Education, along with students, teachers, and proud parents.

🏆 Highlights of the event:
- Warm congratulations to all the winners! China Cultural Centre Director Chen Xiao announced that short videos will be added to next year's art competition, making full use of new media to enhance communication. 👏
- A special look back at last September’s unforgettable cultural trip to Zhejiang, where 10 people education delegation visited the China-Malta Children's Painting Exhibition at Zhejiang Art Museum, explored西湖 (West Lake),乌镇 (Wuzhen), local schools, and museums – a true journey of discovery! 🏞️🏫
- Students received beautifully crafted participation certificates and gifts from the China Cultural Centre. 🎁
- And of course, delicious Chinese food to celebrate! 🥢

📢 Exciting news for the 17th art competition!
This year’s theme will focus on the encounter between the East (China) and the Mediterranean (Malta) – through stories! Young artists are invited to let their creativity fly and build bridges of friendship.

As Ambassador Zhang said: "Though paintbrush, one can not only depict the landscapes and cultures of China and Malta but also can connect the hearts and dreams of two ancient civilizations."

🌱 The seeds of friendship are growing, and we can't wait to see more beautiful art bloom!

Join us for the Chinese Ambassador Cup – China-Malta Dragon Boat Friendship Race, a vibrant celebration of culture, sports, and friendship!

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is one of China's most cherished traditional festivals, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Celebrated through exciting dragon boat races, the festival symbolizes teamwork, unity, perseverance, and the spirit of community.

This special event brings together participants from China and Malta to strengthen friendship and cultural exchange through the thrilling tradition of dragon boat racing. Experience the excitement on the water, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and celebrate the enduring bond between our two nations.

📍 Venue: Birgu Regatta Club
📅 Date: Saturday, June 13rd, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00am onwards

This event will also be featuring Chinese traditional Lion Dance and Drum Performance. Bring your family and friends, cheering on the teams as they paddle toward victory and experincing the Chinese traditional culture together.

Together, we race. Together, we celebrate friendship.

🎶 A magical night of music under the Maltese moon 🌕

On May 28, the Chinese Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija witnessed an unforgettable Guqin concert, bridging Chinese and Maltese cultures.

Chinese Guqin masters and a Maltese pianist came together to perform beloved pieces from both countries — a true dialogue of civilizations in honor of the upcoming International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations.

🎵 The evening began with an engaging lecture-demo on the Guqin’s philosophy and beauty, followed by solos, duets, and enchanting fusions with piano and p**a. For most of the audience, it was their first time seeing and hearing this ancient Chinese instrument — and they were absolutely captivated!

Special thanks to H.E. Ambassador Zhang Zuo, Director Chen Xiao, and the Mayor of Santa Luċija for their inspiring words, as well as the Maltese Ambassador to China, John Busuttil, for his unremitting efforts and contributions to promoting China-Malta exchanges. As Ambassador Zhang said, "Today, the sound of Guqin has crossed mountains and seas to reach Malta — a vivid echo of the Silk Road spirit in a new era."

✨ This "Melodies of the Silk Road – A Mediterranean Journey of Chinese Guqin" concert was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Malta, China Cultural Centre in Malta, the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, and supported by the Santa Lucija Local Council.

A beautiful example of how cultures shine brighter through exchange and mutual learning. 🌍💫