Visitors look at photos of Beihai at the Burges campus of Howest University, Belgium. [Photo by Zheng Huansong/Xinhua]

"The Belt and Road, By Beihai We Are Bound" cultural exchange event was inaugurated on the Bruges campus of Howest University, Belgium on Sept 3 to showcase the wonderful scenery of Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The event was sponsored by the press office of the Beihai municipal people's government, and held by the China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC) and the Confucius Institute at Howest University, Belgium. The event showcased 50 pictures of tourist attractions, folk customs, and the urban industry of Beihai. A song and dance performance was also staged at the event.

Su Yuanxin, director of the press office of Beihai government, noted that the event aims to promote cooperation and exchanges between Beihai and relevant countries around the North Sea in culture, tourism, trade, and other aspects through high-level exchanges, photo exhibitions, and cultural performances. He also expressed hope that the event can promote cultural exchanges along the Belt and Road

Feng Haolie, director of the Confucius Institute at Howest University, said that both Bruges and Beihai are cities with a long shipping history. It is believed that the event will promote the integration of Bruges into the Maritime Silk Road and enhance mutual benefits.

The cultural exchange activities are held in places that have the same name as Beihai. The events are divided into three phases. The first stage was the launching ceremony held in Beijing Beihai Park in 2016. The second stage included cultural events in Russia and Japan. The third stage included the Belgium event, with additional visits in the future to countries near the North Sea, such as Malaysia.