The Beijing People's Art Theatre (BPAT) in Beijing warmly welcomed the wives of Chinese President Peng Liyuan and French President Brigitte Macron. The visit took place during President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to China and focused on cultural exchange and artistic cooperation.

Both ladies had the opportunity to learn in detail about the development of BPAT and its collaboration with the French theatre scene. They visited the stage of the famous Chinese play "Teahouse", watched an excerpt from the performance and discussed artistic creation and cultural contribution with the actors.

Hra "Teahouse" became internationally renowned after its premiere at the Festival d'Avignon in France in 2019, which was the first time a Chinese play had been invited to one of the world's prestigious contemporary theatre festivals. In 2024, BPAT presented a Chinese adaptation of Molière's classic "Skoupý", which captivated the audience with its splendid acting. The French classic play „Les Paravents (The Screens) was presented in its entirety for the first time in China this year as part of the BPAT International Theatre Invitation Exhibition.

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, visit the Beijing People's Art Theatre in Beijing, China, December 4, 2025. /VCG

Peng Liyuan emphasised that a generation of Chinese playwrights are striving not only to preserve and develop traditional Chinese culture, but also to learn from foreign theatres and promote innovation. Cultural cooperation between China and France also covers other areas such as education, sport and film, with more than 6,000 French students visiting China on exchange programmes and increasing numbers of French tourists arriving thanks to China's visa-free policy.

The year 2025 also marks the beginning of a new 60-year cycle of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the second decade of the high-level mechanism for people-oriented cooperation. Peng expressed her hope that artists from both countries will continue to exchange ideas and create exceptional works that will strengthen cultural understanding and friendship between the two nations.

Brigitte Macron praised Peng Liyuan's care, expressed her respect for Chinese dramatic art, and confirmed her willingness to actively support cultural and people-oriented cooperation.

CMG