The SCO Night cultural exchange gala was held in Qingdao on Dec 18. [Photo/WeChat account: shsfqgwh]

A cultural exchange gala to enhance people-to-people cultural exchanges among member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization took place at the SCO Pearl International Expo Center in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Dec 18.

The event, called "SCO Night", featured Chinese artists presenting tea art, calligraphy and paper-cutting to athletes and referees from various countries participating in the 5th SCO National Chess Team Competition, allowing them to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture up close.

Qingdao has been holding a variety of events to expand exchanges and cooperation with cities in SCO countries in competitive sporting events, cultural tourism and traditional folk arts since the launch of construction on the SCO Demonstration Zone in the city.

Such events also include the SCO Summer Carnival, SCO National Culture and Tourism Promotion Week, SCO National Media Think Tank Forum and SCO Marathon.