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The opulent textures and lighting of China’s National Center for the Performing Arts evoke a sense of cultural grandeur and artistic prestige.Washington TodayPeng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of Vietnamese President To Lam, visited China’s National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing on April 15, 2026. During the tour, they observed rehearsals of a Chinese ethnic dance drama and a choir recording session, and discussed ways to strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy between China and Vietnam, two neighboring countries with deep historical ties. As the wives of the top leaders, Peng and Ngo’s joint appearance at the NCPA underscores the countries’ commitment to fostering closer cultural cooperation and people-to-people connections.
The details
During the tour, Peng and Ngo visited the NCPA’s opera house, virtual reality creative space, and recording studio. They learned about the center’s efforts in supporting artistic creation, delivering cultural services, and conducting international exchanges. The two first ladies watched rehearsals and paused to exchange views, emphasizing the need for stronger cultural ties between China and Vietnam.
- Peng Liyuan and Ngo Phuong Ly visited the NCPA in Beijing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The players
Peng Liyuan
Wife of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Ngo Phuong Ly
Wife of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam.
China’s National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
A major cultural institution in Beijing that supports artistic creation, delivers cultural services, and conducts international exchanges.
What they’re saying
“China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers, share similar cultures and their people enjoy mutual understanding and friendship. I express hope that cultural institutions and artists of the two countries will strengthen exchanges and cooperation through various means to deepen the friendship between the two countries and nurture the bonds of goodwill between their people.”
— Peng Liyuan, Wife of Chinese President
“I sincerely thank Peng for her warm and thoughtful arrangements, and speak highly of China’s achievements in cultural development and artistic innovation. I express readiness to actively promote exchanges in the cultural and artistic fields between the two countries and advance Vietnam-China friendship.”
— Ngo Phuong Ly, Wife of Vietnamese President
The takeaway
The visit by the Chinese and Vietnamese first ladies to the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy between the two countries. By strengthening artistic and cultural exchanges, China and Vietnam can deepen their longstanding friendship and promote mutual understanding between their peoples.
