Hangzhou hosts the "Hangzhou Night" cultural and tourism promotion event in Madrid on the evening of July 3. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain, the 2023 China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Year, organized by the World Tourism Alliance, held a dialogue in Madrid, Spain.

On the evening of July 3, Hangzhou hosted the "Hangzhou Night" cultural and tourism promotion event in Madrid. Wu Haitao, the Chinese Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Rosana Morillo Rodriguez, the Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, as well as officials from both China and Spain and over 200 guests from the local cultural, tourism, and media sectors in Spain attended the event.

Vice-mayor Xu Weihua introduced Hangzhou during the event as a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, a hub of innovation and vitality, and a model of ecological civilization, making it one of the "15 Best Models of Global Tourism."

"China and Spain have engaged in comprehensive cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, technology, and education, and Hangzhou is willing to serve as a leader in mutual cooperation and exchange," Xu said.

He extended a sincere invitation to friends from around the world, including Spain, to come to Hangzhou to participate in the 19th Asian Games and experience the city's tourist attractions.

Secretary Rodriguez expressed her gratitude for Hangzhou's support in the China-Spain dialogue and said she hoped for closer relations between Madrid and Hangzhou as a way to further enhance cooperation and exchange between the two countries.

The Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism arranged the event venue, showcasing the rich Eastern cultural heritage through various forms such as Song Dynasty (960-1279) paintings and clothing, tea ceremonies, and traditional musical performances, leaving a deep impression on guests.

Xu Weihua, vice-mayor of Hangzhou, delivers a keynote speech at the promotional event. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]