A Chinese art troupe made its debut in New Zealand's largest city Auckland on Saturday evening with high quality performances, to promote peace and cooperation and celebrate the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism.

About 2,500 people enjoyed the two-hour show in the Victory Convention Centre. The evening brought together the traditional Peking Opera, classic songs, festive songs and dances, as well as stunning acrobatic performances, which perfectly presented the charm of Chinese culture and art to the audience. During the performance, applause and cheers came one after another.

China's Vice Consul-General in Auckland Xiao Yewen saw the performances as an opportunity to strengthen ties between New Zealand and China and promote the exchange of culture and arts.

"The performances of Chinese artists brought the Chinese people's friendship to the people of New Zealand. The Chinese and New Zealand artists would strengthen exchanges and mutual learning through the performances on the same stage, promoting the communication and friendship between China and New Zealand," Xiao said.

The cultural exchange program, called The Classic Reconstruction and Building Peace Together, is organized by New Zealand Friendship for Peace Association.

George Chow, president of the New Zealand Friendship for Peace Association, who hosted the performances, said the New Zealand's Chinese community cherishes the friendship and cooperative relations between China and New Zealand.

"The cultural exchange program is a part of the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, which will be celebrated with multiple events and cultural programs in China and New Zealand."

Paul Young, Auckland's councilor, acknowledged the local Chinese community's participation in cultural exchange activities between New Zealand and China to "promote peace and prosperity."

After the performance, Chinese lawyer Robert Hu, who has lived in New Zealand for more than 24 years, was reluctant to leave. He said the gala tonight was very exciting. He admitted he was moved to tears when he was watching the show.

"Although as a lawyer I have to maintain an extremely calm state, when the traditional classic culture touched my heart, tears flow unconsciously," Hu said

In the next two days, artists will exchange cultural and arts in New Zealand's Taupo, Rotorua and Hamilton.