Wellington Mayor Andrew Little (2nd R, front) views Chinese painting on display at the opening ceremony of an international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 27, 2026. An international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting kicked off in the New Zealand capital on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of sister city relations between Wellington and Beijing. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

​An international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting kicked off in the New Zealand capital on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of sister city relations between Wellington and Beijing.

The 39 art pieces on display were organized into four sections, namely Observing the Way with a Clear Mind, Figures in Myriad Forms, Scenery of the Four Seasons and Timeless Bronze and Stone Inscriptions. Together, they showcase contemporary creative practices in Chinese landscape, figure and bird-and-flower painting, alongside calligraphy and seal carving, tracing the evolution of these traditions from classical paradigms to present-day expressions.

A Chinese artist also painted a plum blossom on the spot.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little noted that 20 years ago, New Zealand and China were negotiating in the final stages of a free trade agreement. "It reminds us of the importance of diplomacy and relationships being conducted at all levels," he said, adding that relationships between citizens, people, cities, and communities are very important.

Different cultures have their own distinct histories and traditions, yet feelings for nature, life and beauty can resonate with one another through art, said Yan Dongsheng, chairman of the Artistic Committee of China National Academy of Painting.

"'Embracing Diversity' conveys an open and inclusive cultural spirit," he added. "We choose this as the title of this exhibition in the sincere hope that art can bring different cultures together, enable mutual learning, and enhance understanding through exchange and dialogue."

On behalf of Ambassador Wang Xiaolong, Minister Counsellor Zhang Xinyu at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand stressed that both China and New Zealand are multicultural nations built on equality, mutual respect and cooperation. "Across mountains and seas, we hope this exhibition could serve as a bridge, channeling the spirit of the Global Civilization Initiative: equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness," she said.

After the inaugural leg in Wellington, the exhibition will tour other major New Zealand cities until Oct. 7, including Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland.

Visitors view Chinese paintings on display at the opening ceremony of an international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 27, 2026. An international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting kicked off in the New Zealand capital on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of sister city relations between Wellington and Beijing. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

Visitors view Chinese paintings on display at the opening ceremony of an international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 27, 2026. An international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting kicked off in the New Zealand capital on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of sister city relations between Wellington and Beijing. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

A visitor views Chinese paintings on display at the opening ceremony of an international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 27, 2026. An international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting kicked off in the New Zealand capital on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of sister city relations between Wellington and Beijing. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

A visitor views Chinese calligraphy works on display at the opening ceremony of an international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting in Wellington, New Zealand, Aug. 27, 2026. An international art dialogue exhibition by China National Academy of Painting kicked off in the New Zealand capital on Thursday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of sister city relations between Wellington and Beijing. (Xinhua/Long Lei)