The development of bilateral friendly cooperation between China and Norway are shared expectations of the two peoples, said President Xi Jinping when meeting with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Beijing on Monday.
"This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Norway. It's the right time you are paying a visit to China again, which is of great significance for both sides to build on past achievements and forge a new and brilliant future for the next 70 years. Over the 70 years since the two countries established diplomatic relationship, the two peoples have respected, appreciated, and learned from each other, forging a valuable friendship. Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation complies with the desire of the two peoples, the fundamental interests of the two countries, and the global trend of maintaining closer ties among countries to share weal and woe," Xi said.
Store hailed China's important role in addressing key global challenges.
"You are right, Mr. President. It is 70 years of diplomatic relations. Norway likes to be first among the Nordics, and we have a long tradition to build on for the years ahead. As we see it, China can play a very important role in dealing with some of today's critical issues, [such as] climate change. We need China and look forward to our conversation," he said.
At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store is on an official visit to China from Sept 9 to 11.
Furthering bilateral cooperation between China, Norway complies expectations of two peoples: Xi
The rising popularity of Guochao, also known as the trend of "China-chic", has contributed to a consumption boom and more diversified consumption scenarios ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
China-chic refers to fashion trends native to China, which incorporates unique native cultural elements into the latest trends.
For this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, the brand-new event "The Empress's Mid-Autumn Feast" at the Mingtang Tiantang Scenic Area in the National Archaeological Site Park of Sui-Tang Luoyang City in central China's Henan Province has attracted many visitors.
Through interactive experiences such as the performance of court music and dance, and the Empress Wu Zetian bestowing incense, it recreated the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) palace, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the holiday.
The "Hanfu craze" in Luoyang City has led to an increase in the number of tourists visiting scenic spots and has extended the overall economic chain. This trend has boosted the popularity of services such as Hanfu rental, makeup and styling, and professional photography, making them widely popular.
In Luoyang's Luanchuan County, activities such as the "Fairy Palace Moon Viewing Party" at the peak of the Laojun Mountain, which stands over 2,000 meters above sea level, have driven a surge in business for the Hanfu stores at the mountain's summit, leading to a peak in consumer activity.
"This year's Mid-Autumn Festival is witnessing an increase of over 50 percent in Hanfu rentals and sales, as well as travel photography services, compared with the same period last year. With such beautiful scenery as a backdrop, the demand for traditional China-chic consumption remains strong," said Jin Ge, owner of a Hanfu store atop the Laojun Mountain.
Driven by the rise of China-chic, creative cultural products are continuously updated with new offerings.
At a glazed glass workshop in Zibo City, east China's Shandong, skilled workers were busy crafting creative glassworks featuring lively jade rabbits, a symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
As soon as the products hit the market, they quickly became popular both online and offline.
"While inheriting tradition, we've been exploring something new, developing creative products that better meet current market demands, thus winning the favor of a wide range of consumers," said Liu Jianhua, deputy general manager of Xiye Workshop.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on September 17 this year.
China-chic boom fuels consumption for Mid-Autumn Festival
