The echoes of China's Huaiju Opera, a tradition spanning more than two centuries, recently graced the stages in Croatia and the Netherlands, where the convergence of Eastern and Western arts unfolds a unique cultural dialogue and fosters a bridge of cultural exchange and friendship.

A delegation from Yancheng, a coastal city in Jiangsu province, attended the "City Day" celebration in Cakovec, Croatia, where Croatian leaders, including President Zoran Milanovic, witnessed the debut performance of Huaiju Opera actresses Xia Rong and Xia Shiya on Wednesday.

The performance was well received. Spectators captured the highlights with their phones and cameras. Afterward, the audience members approached the performers for interactions and photos.

The performance marked Huaiju Opera's debut in Croatia, following the establishment of sister-city relations between Yancheng and Cakovec in 2022. Interactions and exchanges between the two cities have been frequent, leading to cooperation in economy, trade and culture.

Friendly exchanges

Chen Weihong, director of the publicity department of Yancheng, shared stories of friendly exchanges between Yancheng and the Netherlands with Dutch guests while introducing Yancheng's cultural and tourism resources at the Yancheng (Netherlands) Cultural Tourism Exchange Conference on Friday.

Guests were treated to on-site presentations detailing Yancheng's ecological wetland culture, sea salt culture, vast marine resources and vibrant modern trends. One popular presentation highlighted the spoon-billed sandpiper, a bird with a beak shaped like a small spoon living in Yancheng.

Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands Tan Jian said the Dafeng Holland Flower Sea in Yancheng has become a tourist attraction, drawing thousands of Chinese tourists who wish to visit the Netherlands, and helping promote the sales of Dutch tulips in China.

"Welcome everyone to visit Yancheng, welcome to China," Tan said. "No visa is required."

China has extended the visa exemption policy for citizens of 12 countries, 11 of them in Europe, including the Netherlands.

The policy, which applies to those visiting China for short periods, will last until the end of next year.