Representatives from the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) spoke highly of the positive role played by China-CEEC cooperation in promoting bilateral relations and common development at the sixth China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting which opened in east China's Shandong Province on Wednesday.
Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addressed the opening ceremony held in the province's Yantai City.
Multiple projects were presented to show how China-CEEC cooperation has improved development, livelihoods, and mutual understanding between the peoples over the past 12 years, as well as the cooperation mechanism's promising future.
More than 300 officials and representatives from CEEC attended the meeting.
"China has been involved in supporting various infrastructure projects in Albania, such as road construction and the modernization of roads, bridges and ports, which are crucial for Albanians and the connectivity in the region and beyond. Over the years, trade has also been increasing with steady growth, with China being one of Albania's largest trading partners outside the European Union," said Ermira Urupi, chairwoman of socialist party of Elbasan Municipality of Albania.
"My parents are both Romanian. I was born in San Francisco, the United States, and my hometown is Shandong. I also try to bring Romanian culture to my Chinese friends, teach them to sing Romanian songs, dance Romanian dances, and share our country's traditional festivals and customs. I hope that through these exchanges, everyone can feel the unique charm of different cultures," said a youth representative Siena.
Representatives hail China-CEEC cooperation mechanism in promoting common development
The Eighth China Intangible Culture Heritage Expo opened on Thursday in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, highlighting the integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) into modern life, with technology-driven experiences taking center stage.
Themed "Protection, Inheritance, and Innovation", this year's edition showcases a total of 211 ICH items, with over 100 inheritors present to engage with attendees.
"I have participated in three consecutive China Intangible Culture Heritage Expos with my grandmother and my parents. This year, we are focusing on innovation, while in previous years, we paid more attention to traditional aspects of preservation," said Sun Geyao, an inheritor of sachet embroidering.
"I feel that everyone is showcasing their finest works to visitors and to their peers. This exchange elevates our skills and helps more people understand what we, as inheritors, are passing down and promoting," noted Wang Xuxian, an inheritor of tin carving technique.
The expo also highlights the role of technology in enhancing visitor experiences, featuring interactive immersive activities in the world of ICH.
For instance, visitors can immerse themselves in the cloisonné production process through cutting-edge visual positioning technology, or step into the enchanting world of shadow puppetry via interactive experiences. They can even virtually fly kites, thanks to advanced spatial computing technologies. These innovations breathe new life into cultural treasures, illuminating the brilliance of Chinese heritage.
"Only by integrating with the times can ICH showcases its own value. By merging with daily life, it can shine anew. This expo features interactive projects that make up 70 percent of our exhibits, and we will host over 120 activities that bring intangible heritage into communities, schools, and businesses," said Ma Li, secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Jinan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
Fusion of modernity, technology, heritage illuminates China Intangible Culture Expo
