Guangzhou's Roadshow in Paris: bridging cultural exchanges with delicacies and blossoms

GUANGZHOU,China,Jan. 28,2019 -- A roadshow for the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou,with both Chinese traditions and French styles,kicked off at the Xinhua Gallery in Paris,as the Lunar New Year is approaching. On the evening of January 25,the night presented,through food,blossoms and light with the characteristics of Lingnan culture,the festive atmosphere of the Chines New Year and flower fair unique to Guangzhou,the Flower City. With the theme "Blooming Guangzhou,Gastronomic Capital," the event enabled the two cities to discuss urban development under multi-culture and cultural dynamism of the time.

On January 23,Guangzhou held its first international roadshow in 2019 in Davos,Switzerland while attending the 2019 World Economy Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting there. Two days later,in Paris,the city showed its glamour of the Flower City through delicacies.

At the event,the guests were invited to enjoy featured Chinese and French delicacies,and make shrimp dumplings and Chinese crispy dumplings. "We hope to present a passionate and diverse Guangzhou through Cantonese and French food," said Gan Zilin,assistant to General Manager of Lingnan Group (Hong Kong) Co.,Ltd.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations. The past 55 years have witnessed the two countries' continuous cooperation and innovation in trade and cultural exchanges.

The exchange between Guangzhou and France dates back to the 17th century. In 1698,France set up a trading house in Guangzhou,being the first among western countries. The Sampan Island Lighthouse at the Pearl River Estuary,designed by a French designer,has seen the history of trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations for over a century. "Ms. Guangzhou," the first ship of southern China for export business,travelled to France after crossing 44 countries,and now berths on the River Seine as a Chinese symbol featured with China's friendship with France.

Guangzhou and Paris,both famous for food and flowers,have a long history of friendship. Together,the two cities delivered a culturally and artistically enlightening night at the roadshow.

Historical records show that in 1850,Paris ranked third in the top ten world-renowned cities,while Guangzhou followed up closely,being the fourth. Paris is now a capital of culture and art of the world,while Guangzhou,aiming to be a global city,is integrating with the world through active communications and dialogues.

In recent years,the communications between the two cities have been increasingly frequent. Last February,Guangzhou shined at Grand Palais in Paris by holding a unique flower fair there. Until today,many local residents still miss the warm and romantic Guangzhou.

Guangzhou,a commercial city with a history stretching back millennia,has a legacy of conducting business. The business atmosphere has generated flexible mechanisms that foster favorable,pro-business policies and an inclusive social atmosphere,together with such urban cultural identities as Cantonese food,Guangdong entrepreneurs and the Flower City.

Last November,Guangzhou,the cradle of Cantonese food,witnessed the launch of Fine Cantonese Food by the Michelin Guide 2018-2019: Asia,Europe and USA. This is the first Michelin guide focusing on one specific cuisine,including 291 Cantonese restaurants across the world with 39 from Guangzhou.

As one of the most famous Chinese cuisines,Cantonese food boasts a long and splendid history and keeps innovating,the International Director of the Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullennec said.

Cantonese foods also epitomize Guangzhou's features: innovating through inheriting and developing through integrating.

Today,the millennia-old city is revitalizing. The government work report released earlier this year pointed out that Guangzhou will develop itself into a culturally-advanced city,build a system designed to promote China's traditional culture,enhance its overall cultural strength,and translate its abundant cultural resources into stronger soft power.

As China's historic city and center for international exchanges,Guangzhou has a huge friend circle and boasts a solid base for communications and exchanges. Statistics show that 63 countries have set consulate generals in Guangzhou,71 cities around the globe have established friendship city ties with Guangzhou,and over 220 air routes are opened to connect the city with the world. Guangzhou communicates with the world through various branded features recently,including the Flower City,Maritime Silk Road and fine food. It epitomized China's commitment to advance all-round opening up and the going-out of traditional culture.

The recent WEF focused on how countries around the world shall work together at a new stage of global cooperation. China proposed to establish a new form of international relations featuring mutual respect,fairness and justice,and win-win cooperation through open dialogues and cooperation. As one of central cities in China,Guangzhou is proactively embracing the world.

"Guangzhou is set to prioritize cultural inheritance and spread China's fine traditions," said Chen Zhiying,executive vice mayor of Guangzhou.

This year,the city will continue to advance cultural exchanges and mutual learning by holding the 2019 Asia International Food Festival,Understanding China-Guangzhou Forum and other events,presenting a civilized and prosperous city with openness and inclusiveness.

At the Paris event,the Guangzhou Municipal Government and Xinhua Gallery held the opening ceremony of the Overseas Base for Guangzhou's International Communication. Gong Yanhua,the deputy director of the Information Office of Guangzhou Municipality,said,"2019 is the year for Guangzhou to promote and improve its city image globally and further promote international cultural exchanges. The Base,set in the cultural hub of Paris,will hopefully tighten cultural and trade ties between Guangzhou and the world."

Guangzhou enjoys great opportunities and wider space to integrate with the world in the new era. The development experience and its culture will be of great help for the world and different industries to know about China,said Zhu Min,dean of the National Institute of Financial Research of Tsinghua University and the former vice president of IMF.

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