From September 23 to October 7, the “All Rivers Run into the Sea – International Art Dialogue Exhibition of the China National Academy of Painting” New Zealand Tour – Auckland Station is on display at the Parnell Art Space in Auckland. This exhibition, hosted by the Auckland Chinese Cultural Centre and organized by the Auckland Art Space Museum, brings together masterpieces from three generations of contemporary Chinese painters. The exhibition is divided into four sections: “Contemplating the Dao with a Clear Mind,” “The Myriad Forms of Nature,” “The Splendor of the Four Seasons,” and “The Enduring Legacy of Art,” encompassing landscapes, figures, flowers and birds, calligraphy, and seal carving, presenting the profound heritage of traditional Chinese art and the vibrant face of contemporary creation from multiple perspectives.
This exhibition coincided with the “A Shared Moment Across the World” 2026 Auckland Moon Festival and became a key cultural highlight of this year’s festival. On September 26th, the Moon Festival celebration ceremony and Mid-Autumn Festival poetry recital were held on the main stage. Despite the light rain, the atmosphere was still filled with a strong festive spirit. Dragon and lion dances took the stage first, followed by Maori war dances and traditional Chinese cultural performances, creating a delightful interplay and showcasing Auckland’s multicultural character. New Zealand Prime Minister Larsen, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong, Acting Consul General of China in Auckland Wang Junchao, along with over 120 guests including New Zealand political, business, and cultural figures, as well as representatives of the overseas Chinese community, joined hundreds of local residents in attending the celebrations.
At the celebration ceremony, guests jointly unveiled the “All Rivers Run into the Sea” exhibition on the main stage of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Afterwards, the guests visited the VIP exhibition area. Landscapes, figures, flowers and birds, as well as calligraphy and seal engraving works, added a rich Chinese artistic atmosphere to this Mid-Autumn Festival event.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong, New Zealand Opposition Leader and Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins, Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Acting Consul General of China in Auckland Wang Junchao, and Director of the Auckland Chinese Cultural Centre Wang Jianwen jointly unveiled the exhibition.
New Zealand’s opposition leader and Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins visited the exhibition.
On September 27th, a unique art appreciation event was held at Parnell Art Gallery. Despite the rain and wind in Auckland that day, the gallery was filled with the aroma of ink, creating a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Mr. Zong Yuan, founder of the Auckland International Art Space, first introduced the origins of the exhibition, explained each of the four sections, commented on representative works by key artists, and shared his viewing experience with the audience. Following this, Mr. Zong Yuan shared his experiences and anecdotes from thirty years of art investment and collecting, which resonated with many. Teachers Fu Jinzhi, Lei Shuqing, and Li Yongfei from the New Zealand Chinese Calligraphers Association also provided detailed appreciation and interpretation of the exhibited works.
Mr. Zong Yuan, founder and chairman of Auckland International Art Space, shared his story of art investment.
Fu Jinzhi, a teacher from the New Zealand Chinese Calligraphers Association, shared her story with calligraphy.
Lei Shuqing, a teacher at the New Zealand Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Academy, shared stories about Chinese painting and calligraphy.
Teacher Li Yongfei shares Chinese calligraphy and painting techniques
Inspired by the moment, several teachers spontaneously created calligraphy works for the exhibition. Their brushstrokes were deliberate, the ink spreading beautifully, each piece brimming with heartfelt sentiment, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
During the tea break, tea connoisseur Ms. Wen Jiabao brought Qingyuan Yinghong No. 9 black tea, filling the room with its aroma. Guests sat around the table, enjoying hot tea and mooncakes, admiring paintings, sipping tea, and chatting about art. Outside, the wind and rain raged; inside, tranquility prevailed. This elegant and leisurely gathering became a warm and unforgettable memory of this Mid-Autumn Festival.
New Zealand’s renowned artist Neal Palmer visited the gallery and viewed the exhibition.
During the exhibition, visitors from diverse backgrounds flocked to the venue. Not only did students of Professor Lu Yushun come specifically to see the exhibition, but artist Neal Palmer also visited. We introduced him to the categories and appreciation of Chinese calligraphy and painting, and he remarked that it was a truly wonderful exhibition, allowing him to experience a completely different art form. A student from the University of Auckland’s art program, who has a particular fondness for ink painting, lingered before each work, carefully observing and studying the brushstrokes. Many Chinese tourists and local Chinese residents also visited, expressing their delight and pride in seeing such a high-caliber Chinese art exhibition in Auckland. Even local Maori friends entered the exhibition hall, developing a strong interest in Chinese calligraphy and lingering there for a considerable time.
Mr. Huang Weizhang, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations in New Zealand, was awarded the “Outstanding Contribution Award for Chinese Immigrants in New Zealand”.
Art knows no borders, embracing all rivers. This artistic dialogue across mountains and seas allows Chinese ink painting to encounter and connect with diverse cultures on the land of the South Pacific, adding a warm touch to the cultural exchange between China and New Zealand. The exhibition is still ongoing, and we sincerely invite all art lovers to visit, appreciate the beauty of Chinese art, and savor the charm of traditional culture.
Exhibition Dates: September 23 – October 7, 2026 Location: New Auckland International Art Space Address: 195 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland
