On October 12, Beijing hosted the 2024 Reception in Honor of Foreign Diplomatic Missions to China at Beijing Riverside Garden Hotel's Conference Center. A total of 267 diplomatic envoys and representatives of international organizations’ offices in China from 75 countries, together with their family members, attended the event.

In the lead-up to the reception, the guests visited EVE Castle to learn about the innovative development of handicrafts of China's minority ethnic groups, and gain firsthand experience of China's intangible cultural heritage by learning traditional tie-dyeing techniques and painting face masks.

Diplomatic envoys at EVE Castle

Diplomatic envoys at EVE Castle

A diplomat trying to colorize her lacquer fan

Melissa Säilä, minister-counsellor of the Embassy of Finland in China commented, "These handicrafts are incredibly beautiful, and I really admire the Chinese craftsmen. I love the Chinese dragon motifs. I also got a chance to make a lacquer fan and what I got at last was very unique."

Vinod Ahuja, representative ad interim in China and DPRK of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said that there were numerous handicraft exhibitions in India, his home country. He added that this visit had allowed him to appreciate the unique charm of the handicrafts of ethnic minorities in China.

After the reception, the diplomats visited Beijing Color Lantern Festival at Beijing Garden Expo Park. They were captivated by the elegant lighting installations, exclaiming "Beautiful" and "Magnificent" while taking group photos amid the spectacular displays.

Diplomatic envoys posing for a group photo at Beijing Color Lantern Festival

A group photo of the diplomatic envoys at Beijing Color Lantern Festival

The lantern installation titled "Eight Scenic Spots in Yanjing" drew the attention of many diplomats.

"If I had to describe the festival in one word, it would be 'extraordinary'," said Valerie Sorel, head of the Emergency Response Division of the Embassy of Canada in China. "As I entered the park, I was greeted by dazzling works of art that were truly extraordinary and impressive."

"The lantern festival was very beautiful and unforgettable for me," said Marcelo Suárez Salvia, ambassador of Argentina to China, expressing deep admiration for China's cultural heritage, particularly that in Beijing. "As foreign nationals, we also have the chance in our daily life to witness the efforts China puts into preserving its cultural heritage. Beijing has many scenic attractions and sites of historic significance, and I look forward to more cultural experiences."

(Source: CRI Online)