Five Chinese floats decorated with pandas and Chinese drums entertained participants at the annual Lord Mayor's Show celebrating the appointment of the new Lord Mayor Alderman Peter Estlin on Saturday.
It's the second year Chinese floats have participated in the world's largest and oldest unrehearsed procession, which witnessed around 7,000 people, 200 horses and 150 floats this year.
"This is an event that happens every year with the coming of Lord Mayor of London," said Nathan Rodgers, a staff worker with the City of London Corporation. "In terms of this year, I think we have five floats from China. Lots from Asia in general. Many floats are from Asia.”
JD.com's float at the Lord Mayor's Show in London, November 10, 2018 /CGTN Photo
One of the five Chinese floats was from JD.com, a Chinese online retailer and the world's third largest Internet company by revenue.
With drones, robots and self-driving vans on its float, JD.com aimed to showcase its commitment to technology innovation.
"We have our lovely pandas and also Chinese beauty, and we have a big float, an inflatable panda and also a robot," said Zhejiang UK Association Chairman Li Xuelin, adding that it was his organization's second year in the parade. "We also have this drum team to show our Chinese culture. This is a mainstream event but has this mixed Chinese element. It really catches people's eyes."