The spirit of Beijing comes to Serbia

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The event "Days of Beijing in Belgrade" kicked off on Saturday to present intangible cultural heritage and sights of the Chinese capital to local people.

The opening ceremony was held at the Kalemegdan medieval fortress in the Serbian capital. Among those present were Mayor of Belgrade Sinisa Mali, Acting Mayor of Beijing Chen Jining and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang.

Serbian citizens take a close look at a Chinese craftsman painting Beijing opera masks during the event "Days of Beijing in Belgrade" at the Kalemegdan medieval fortress in downtown Belgrade, Sept. 16, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

The two-day event included a photo exhibition named "Charming Beijing" and a presentation of China's traditional culture, crafts and medicine. Several agreements will also be signed by institutions and companies of the two nations in different fields, with the two cities' mayors present.

Chen said at the opening ceremony, the friendly relations between the two cities was established in 1980 and Belgrade became the first European city that nourished those kinds of relations with the Chinese capital.

Serbian citizens experience Chinese traditional massage during the event "Days of Beijing in Belgrade" at the Kalemegdan medieval fortress in downtown Belgrade, Sept. 16, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

"In these 37 years, the cooperation deepened in the fields of economy, education, and sports, while the friendship between citizens became stronger over time," Chen said.

He added that Beijing has a rich history and is recognizable for its modern spirit, and the "Days of Beijing" can only present a small part of the history. Even though, the Serbian people could still know the city and its residents better.

"I am glad that citizens of Belgrade will have an opportunity to get to know Beijing better," Mali said.

Serbian citizens select Beijing snacks during the event "Days of Beijing in Belgrade" at the Kalemegdan medieval fortress in downtown Belgrade, Sept. 16, 2017. /Xinhua Photo‍

Li describe the relations between the two cities as a "sunny day without a single cloud," and predicted that many more tourists from Belgrade and Beijing will come to visit each other and contribute to mutual understanding.

Also scheduled for the event are a friendly match between the Beijing and Belgrade ice hockey teams and a business forum.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency