Beijing and Berlin celebrated 25 years as “Sister Cities” with a cultural event on Friday in the German capital.

Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, this year’s event featured was characterized by demonstration of Chinese traditional art, craftsmanship and photo exhibitions.

During the celebration, Beijing Chinese Orchestra held a concert featuring the traditional instruments like pipa, erhu and sheng. They combined elements of peking opera and jazz to give it a modern twist. 

There were also booths showcasing Beijing’s traditional painted clay sculptures, papercutting, Daiyuexuan writing brushes, which is one of China's time-honored brands.

The event hosted more than 200 guests from China and Germany.

Liu Yinchun, deputy secretary-general of Beijing’s municipal government, said that Germany is an important cooperative partner of China in Europe, and their people have maintained great friendship and cooperation. He said he hopes such activities can help deepen understanding of each others' culture, art and society.

Notek Schwankhardt, senator of Berlin, said in his address that exchanges and visits of artists from both countries are indispensable links in enhancing friendship between the two cities.

He also expressed hope of further cooperation between the two.