The 2019 China (Liuzhou) International Water Carnival and Sino-Portugal Cultural Exchange Week was launched in Liuzhou's Yaopu Ancient Town on Oct 1, with a smorgasbord of performances, salons and exhibitions.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal. The event is aimed to boost cultural exchanges between Liuzhou, the largest industrial city in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Porto, the second-largest Portuguese city famous for its port wine and football team FC Porto.

Representatives of the two cities exchanged gifts at the launch ceremony, which also featured performances by Portuguese singers and guitarists, as well as Qin Xiaoning, a Liuzhou guzheng (Chinese zither) teacher.

Representatives of Liuzhou and Porto exchange gifts at the launch ceremony of the 2019 China (Liuzhou) International Water Carnival and Sino-Portugal Cultural Exchange Week. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The guests then attended a salon, sampled culinary delicacies and toured exhibitions on auto culture, industrial culture, ethnic costumes and smart sci-tech products at Liukong Industrial Creative Park.

More cultural collision is expected to be sparked at the cultural exhibitions, exchanges on wine and football, and art performances scheduled for the weeklong event. 

Swimmers give thumbs up to the 2019 China (Liuzhou) International Water Carnival and Sino-Portugal Cultural Exchange Week. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]