China-themed fireworks festival in Brussels adds glitter to tourism year campaign

The dark night sky in Brussels was lit up with dazzling colors as fireworks shot up from its landmark Mini-Europe park on Saturday, as a China-themed fireworks festival added glitter to the 2018 China-European Union (EU) Tourism Year campaign.

The China-EU Summit in July 2016 decided to observe 2018 as China-EU Tourism Year and as part of the decision, Mini-Europe is hosting a sound and light show for three Saturdays from Aug. 4 to 18.

The park has been festooned with Chinese lanterns bearing images from Sichuan Opera, a traditional opera that originated in China's southwestern Sichuan Province famous for its pandas and hot cuisine. The giant lanterns in the European landmark synthesized two cultures, creating a festive atmosphere.

Besides the fireworks, the EU-China Y&Y Team, composed of amateur Chinese dancers living in Belgium, put on a dance show and a display of cheongsams, the traditional Chinese dress well-known for its elegance and colorful patterns.

Since the tourism year opened in Venice, Italy, in January, China and the EU have launched a series of tourism promotion events.

The Chinese Lantern Festival held in Brussels' Grand Place in February also fascinated a large number of European visitors.