News

Various cultures 'blend' in Nanjing

By Xiao Yang (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-23 08:07

The World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo opened Oct 20 in Nanjing, capital city of East China's Jiangsu province.

Some 44 mayors from 16 countries and regions attended the fair's opening ceremony, held at the mouth of Qinhuai River.

Guests mixed bottles of hometown river water with that taken from the Yangtze River.

"The water from different cities represents their distinctive cultures. The mixing of the water symbolizes that cultures are blending in Nanjing, and that the city is embracing the world," said Zhu Shanlu, secretary of Nanjing CPC Committee.

The exposition is an opportunity for people from all over the globe to know more about Nanjing, said Ji Jianye, the city's mayor.

"On behalf of the 8 million people in Nanjing, I warmly welcome all the participants. I believe that the city will become a place you want to stay and remember," he said.

A mayoral forum was held Oct 21. Attendees discussed how to best strike a balance between cultural heritage preservation and industry development.

The forum was hosted by Wu Jianmin, honorary president of the Bureau of International Expositions and former Chinese ambassador to France.

The biennial World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo will run through Oct 24. It features nearly 100 events, including the Nanjing Cultural Industry Trade Fair and Nanjing Folk Art Festival.

(China Daily 10/23/2010 page6)