Folk performance kicks off Spring Festival in Europe

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, a batch of Chinese singers and dancers from China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have put on a folk performance for European Parliament members and the guests on Tuesday noon in Brussels. Chinese Ambassador to the EU Yang Yanyi addressed the members of parliament before the performance. Photos by Liu Jun.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, a group of Chinese singers and dancers from China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region put on a folk performance for European Parliament members and guests on Tuesday in Brussels.

The performance for the parliament members served both as a warm up and the prelude to the upcoming gala performance of "The Legend of the Sun", which will be staged on the eve of Spring Festival, on Wednesday in the Theater National.

Beijing and Brussels have decided to use the occasion to kick off the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

"This year is the friendship year between China and EU and we are determined to develop cooperation and partnership of peace, reform, investment as well as civilization," said Yang Yanyi, Chinese ambassador to EU before Tuesday performance.

She added that both sides will organize dozens of events to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Yang said cultural exchange is one of the most important foundations between EU-China relations and "The Legend of the Sun" will surely win European audience's hearts and thus stimulate their interest towards Chinese cultures.

"As a result, the friendship and understanding between China and EU will be enhanced and developed on a more stable and healthier path," she said.

Gao Shuang contributed to the story.