A new exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) opened Wednesday at Tanzania's National Museum in Dar es Salaam, spotlighting the historic China-Africa partnership through evocative visual art. Titled "Shoulder to Shoulder," the showcase features photographs and paintings that celebrate one of Africa's most ambitious infrastructure projects and the enduring friendship between Tanzania and China. "TAZARA, which was built with China's aid last century by Chinese, Tanzanian, and Zambian people together, is known to the world as the 'Freedom Railway' or 'Uhuru Railway' that helped southeast African people gain national independence and liberation. And it is also [known as] the 'Friendship Railway' or 'Urafiki Railway' that represents the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and African people," said Chen Mingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania. Among the estimated 60,000 young Tanzanians who joined forces with some 50,000 Chinese workers to build the railway in the early 1970s was Martin Simingwa, now retired, who fondly recalled his time collaborating with the Chinese teams. "Even though we did not understand each other's language, we communicated through signs and actions, and we worked together very well. When the Chinese trust you, they truly trust you," he said. This is the latest in a series of exhibitions held since 2017 in Tanzania and Zambia, each highlighting the people and collective effort behind the construction of the TAZARA railway. For Tanzania and China, the exhibition represents more than art, it is a celebration of the strong relationship between the two countries and their shared aspirations. SHOTLIST: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Nov 26, 2025 1. Various of Chen Mingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, unveiling plaque for exhibition that celebrates 50th anniversary of Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA); 2. Various of photos displayed on board; 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Chen Mingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania: "TAZARA, which was built with China's aid last century by Chinese, Tanzanian, and Zambian people together, is known to the world as the 'Freedom Railway' or 'Uhuru Railway' that helped southeast African people gain national independence and liberation. And it is also [known as] the 'Friendship Railway' or 'Urafiki Railway' that represents the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and African people."; 4. Visitors at exhibition; 5. Various of photos displayed on board; 6. Various of Martin Simingwa, retired railway worker, posing for group photos; 7. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbing in English) Martin Simingwa, retired railway worker: "Even though we did not understand each other's language, we communicated through signs and actions, and we worked together very well. When the Chinese trust you, they truly trust you."; 8. Various of Chen viewing exhibits, listening to introduction. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]