Norwegian PM fascinated by China's rich history, culture

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said he is fascinated by China's rich history, cultural tapestry and the country's remarkable path to modernization.

Store was speaking with the China Media Group on a high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai on Tuesday, part of his three-day official visit to China.

The prime minister, who has visited China several times in the 1990s and early 2000s, said he was deeply impressed by the country's leapfrog development in recent years.

"It's a large country and I'm fascinated about it. I've always been very fascinated by China's history. By visiting the Forbidden City, you get a glimpse of this very long history, which I think often sometimes people in the Europe look at countries here and now, but they forget that my country has history, your country has a history which we need understand to understand the present. So that's a lot of fascination. Beyond that, I would say I adore the food, I adore the hospitality and right now I'd like to say I adore the train," said Store.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Norwegian diplomats in Beijing recommended Store to take the high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai. Store praised the high-speed train as a good example of China's modernization.

"In my lifetime, I'm born in 1960, and I think there is no country that has gone through such a profound change and transition as has China. And all changes and transition come with progress, but also with great challenges and even friction. So I think seeing hundreds of million being lifted out of poverty, it's very impressive," said Store.

"But also, some of the huge challenges of modernity that China is facing now as we all are. You know, coping with environmental changes, climate, but also nature, you know biodiversity and everything we have to deal with them. And most of the world's climate and nature challenges are present in China. You have a huge vested interest in helping the world succeed, as have we. So that is also something I admire," said the prime minister.

Norwegian PM fascinated by China's rich history, culture

China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday held lantern fairs to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, while a spectacular drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor.

The festival is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Sept 17 this year. It is a traditionally cherished occasion for family reunions, when family members share mooncakes and light lanterns.

A bright and gorgeous lantern fair combining elements of traditional Chinese culture and the unique style of Hong Kong was held on Tuesday night in Hong Kong's Victoria Park, where local residents and tourists can not only learn about the process of making a handcrafted lantern, but also participate in diversified activities like guessing lantern riddles.

During the festival, traditional folk activities including lantern fairs were held across Hong Kong, creating strong festive atmosphere and attracting flocks of residents and tourists.

"We have come to Victoria Park today to feel the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. [The lanterns] are quite beautiful and gorgeous," said Liu, a local resident.

At around 20:00 on Tuesday, a splendid drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor, with more than 1,000 drones forming patterns of rabbits, lanterns and mooncakes, conveying festive blessings to people in Hong Kong.

"This year's lanterns are more beautiful than ever before. Meanwhile, the drone shows are getting more and more exciting each time, as we can see that the patterns and technologies are constantly improving. At the same time, the National Day is approaching. I would like to wish our country a happy birthday, and I wish the motherland prosperity and the people a better life," said Ko Chung Kit, another local resident.

Hong Kong holds lantern fairs, drone show to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival