On May 11, 2026, the “Yancheng Cultural Tourism and Economic & Trade Promotion Conference,” jointly hosted by the Yancheng Municipal People’s Government and the China Cultural Center in The Hague, was successfully held at the China Cultural Center in The Hague. More than 60 guests attended the event, including Huang Xibieke Nuerdan, Vice Mayor of Yancheng Municipal People’s Government; Yu Jian, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands; Roy Fu, Director of The Hague Business Agency; Gabriella Esselbrugge, Chief Representative of Giethoorn and International Ambassador of the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, as well as members of the Yancheng delegation and representatives from the Dutch cultural, tourism, and business sectors. Together, they experienced the unique charm and dynamic vitality of Yancheng — an “International Wetland and Coastal Green City.”

In his speech, Vice Mayor Huang Xibieke Nuerdan noted that although Yancheng and the Netherlands are geographically far apart, they share a long-standing connection. A century ago, Dutch hydraulic expert Trieck traveled to Yancheng to assist with tidal flat improvement projects. Today, the tulips blooming in the Holland Flower Park of Dafeng have become a beautiful symbol of friendship between China and the Netherlands. He expressed his hope to build new opportunities for mutual benefit through cultural tourism and economic cooperation.

Roy Fu, Director of The Hague Business Agency, stated that both The Hague and Yancheng are cities that prosper through the sea and thrive through openness. He emphasized the broad potential for cooperation and expressed willingness to further deepen collaboration in green technology, modern logistics, technological innovation, cultural tourism, and other fields for mutual development.

Yu Jian, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, welcomed more Dutch visitors to travel to China and experience the authentic and vibrant Yancheng. He also expressed hope that both sides would take the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands in 2027 as an opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation and further enhance bilateral friendship.

Gabriella Esselbrugge, Chief Representative of Giethoorn and International Ambassador of the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, warmly recalled her first visit to Yancheng ten years ago, describing the city as giving her “the warmth of home.” She highly praised Yancheng’s ecological environment and the kindness of its people, and expressed her expectation to continue promoting cultural and tourism exchanges between the two regions.

Through city promotional videos, tourism presentations, intangible cultural heritage showcases, and business matchmaking sessions, the conference comprehensively presented Yancheng’s ecological beauty, cultural heritage, and development momentum.

The interactive intangible cultural heritage exhibition area attracted significant attention. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as porcelain carving, salt sculpture, and dough figurines captivated guests, allowing them to appreciate the sophistication of traditional Chinese craftsmanship up close.

A medley performance of classic Huai Opera excerpts also sparked enthusiastic interaction. Performers vividly conveyed the poetic charm and emotional depth of Jiangsu’s water-town culture through the elegant melodies of Huai Opera. Audience members eagerly recorded the performance on their phones. After the show, many Dutch guests came forward to take photos with the performers and learn simple sleeve dance movements. Despite language differences, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and applause.

During the event, IGMPR Netherlands signed a cooperation agreement with Jiangsu Yufeng Tourism Development Co., Ltd., while Hedi Zhenxing Co., Ltd. signed an agreement with Yanwu Group Co., Ltd., marking a solid step forward in cultural tourism and economic cooperation between Yancheng and The Hague. Following the signing ceremony, representatives from both sides exchanged handshakes as prolonged applause filled the venue.

Wang Zheng, Director of the China Cultural Center in The Hague, stated that the center will continue to serve as a bridge for China–Netherlands local exchanges, helping more Dutch people better understand China and experience its culture firsthand. He expressed hope that the flowers of friendship and the fruits of cooperation between the two countries will continue to flourish.