The Hague, 26 November 2025 — The “Beautiful Hebei” Cultural and Tourism Showcase was successfully held at the China Cultural Centre in The Hague, jointly organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hebei Province and the China Cultural Centre in The Hague.
The event attracted over one hundred guests from the Dutch cultural, tourism and art communities, including Yu Jian, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands; Dr. Daphné de Rooij, former Deputy Governor of South Holland; Monika Kneppen, Chair of the Netherlands–China Association; renowned Dutch ceramic artist Jan Nieuwendijk; and Willem Maas, principal of a local primary school in The Hague. Together, the guests enjoyed the charm of Hebei’s intangible cultural heritage and explored new opportunities for Sino–Dutch cultural and tourism cooperation.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Wang Zheng, Director of the China Cultural Centre in The Hague.
He noted that Hebei is “one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilisation, rich in history, culture and natural resources.” He expressed the hope that the event would allow Dutch audiences to experience Hebei’s landscapes, traditions and craftsmanship up close, and that more Dutch friends would be inspired to visit Hebei and gain deeper understanding of China.

Former Deputy Governor Dr. Daphné de Rooij and ceramic artist Jan Nieuwendijk delivered speeches. Dr. de Rooij recalled her role in promoting the sister-province relationship between South Holland and Hebei Province, sharing fond memories of her many visits to Hebei. She praised the hospitality of the people of Hebei and the region’s profound cultural heritage, expressing her confidence that the friendship and cooperation between the two regions will continue to deepen.

Nieuwendijk, drawing from his artistic experiences in China, reflected on the power of art as a bridge between civilisations.
He expressed admiration for Hebei’s long history and cultural richness, saying he eagerly looks forward to visiting Hebei in person to experience its local traditions and culinary culture.

The event featured a “Hebei in Light and Shadow” photo exhibition, an intangible cultural heritage demonstration area, and a Hebei cuisine tasting zone.
Traditional crafts such as Weixian paper-cutting, Beijing embroidery, Shiying stone carving, as well as traditional foods including Auliang pear syrup, sugar figurines, and other local specialties, drew great interest from the guests.

Weixian paper-cutting inheritor Zhou Liwei presented custom paper-cut portraits to Dr. de Rooij and Nieuwendijk, works inspired by the two guests themselves — symbolic tokens encapsulating the friendship between China and the Netherlands. Both recipients were pleasantly surprised and praised the exquisite craftsmanship, saying they would treasure the pieces and share this heartfelt gift from China with their families and friends.

In the food section, guests enthusiastically sampled Hebei delicacies such as Jinfeng braised chicken, Chengde Lulu almond drink, Yutangyuan hawthorn juice, Jingdong chestnuts, and Sansitai crispy sweets, offering high praise for their distinctive flavours.
Many attendees said the event not only allowed them to appreciate Hebei’s natural beauty and cultural depth, but also experience the vastness and vitality of contemporary Chinese culture.

During the event, journalists from Xinhua News Agency conducted interviews with ceramic artist Nieuwendijk and paper-cutting inheritor Zhou Liwei, engaging in in-depth discussions on the themes of intangible cultural heritage, cultural transmission, and artistic exchange between China and the Netherlands.

The event concluded with group photos and informal networking.
Director Wang Zheng remarked that the China Cultural Centre in The Hague will continue to collaborate closely with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hebei Province to advance cultural and tourism exchanges, enabling more Dutch audiences to “perceive China through culture and understand China through Hebei.”