EU-China Light Bridge in Brussels signals the bright coming of the Year of The Dog

(The European Sting, 2018)

Yesterday evening, a reception was held at the Brussels City Hall, as part of an event called “EU-China Light Bridge”, inspired by the Chinese New Year of the Dog and the China-EU Tourism Year, 2018. The reception consisted of Chinese traditional performances together with the lighting up ceremony of lanterns surrounding the heart of Grand Place, Brussels.

Among the distinguished guests featured Ambassador ZHANG Ming, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU and his spouse, Ambassador QU Xing from China to the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels and his deputy, Karine Lalieux, as well as Ms. Irmfried Shwimann, Deputy Director-General, DG GROW-European Commission, and Mr. YANG Xingping, Vice Governor of the Sichuan Province.

This Chinese New Year exhibition in Grand Place will be exposed until February 28 throughout the City Centre of the city of Brussels. The Chinese lanterns were  built in Brussels, by Chinese craftspeople.

These lanterns are inspired by both Chinese and Belgian culture and life:  the Atomium of Belgium, the Temple of Heaven of China, pandas and swans, Peking Opera, Zodiac signs and many more. Also, from 16 February to 15 March, Chinese red lanterns will feature throughout the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels.