On April 18, the 79th Dutch Flower Parade officially opened in grand fashion. A total of 15 floats participated this year, attracting over one million spectators along the route. Among them, the Chinese-themed float designed by the China Cultural Center in The Hague made a stunning appearance. Using porcelain aesthetics and vibrant floral elements, it extended a heartfelt “Hello China” invitation to the Dutch public, vividly illustrating the deep-rooted cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands. Local Dutch television also featured the float in a nearly three-minute segment during the live broadcast, bringing this cultural dialogue to a wider audience.

The float integrates imagery of a galloping horse with ceramic artistry, presenting the story of Sino-Dutch cultural exchange as a moving artistic tableau. At the front and rear, large flower baskets bearing the words “Hello China” and a traditional Chinese archway highlight the theme. At the center, a horse sculpted from flowers leaps above auspicious clouds, symbolizing both the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse and a bright future of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Behind the horse stands a giant porcelain vase, tilted slightly. The left side features classic Delft Blue patterns, while the right displays traditional Chinese blue-and-white porcelain motifs. These designs merge seamlessly, with a stream of flowers flowing from the vase to form a colorful floral path stretching across the entire float.

This design draws inspiration from over 400 years of interaction between China and the Netherlands. After Chinese blue-and-white porcelain was introduced to Europe during the Ming Dynasty, Dutch artisans in Delft adapted it using local materials and techniques, giving rise to the renowned Delft Blue pottery—an iconic example of cultural exchange in art history. As the Dutch commentator noted, the classical vase “embodies centuries of cultural exchange between the two countries,” while the float itself “resembles a journey paved with flowers,” vividly expressing “the essence of cultural dialogue” and the idea that “mutual respect fosters a better future.”

Accompanied by traditional Chinese music, the float moved gracefully along the route. Four volunteers from China and the Netherlands, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, waved to the crowds. During the broadcast, the commentator remarked that “the Chinese-themed float is truly eye-catching” and expressed delight at seeing a team from distant China participating in this traditional Dutch event. They added that the float “brings a unique touch to the parade and reflects the friendly exchange between different cultures.”

The commentator also highlighted the visual details: the horse, life-sized, features brown sections made from tulip bulbs, with its mane crafted from double-petaled tulips. Tens of thousands of baby’s breath flowers create a white cloud-like backdrop, while a beautifully designed Chinese vase made of hyacinths enhances the overall visual appeal.

The parade route spans approximately 42 kilometers. Despite less-than-ideal weather, public enthusiasm remained undiminished. Spectators eagerly took photos with the float, with greetings of “Hello, China” heard throughout the crowd. Many remarked on the float’s striking visual impact, warm colors, and engaging design. Some also noted that the story conveyed by the float sparked their interest in learning more about China.

This year marks the fourth time the China Cultural Center in The Hague has participated in the parade. Looking ahead, the Center will continue to tell stories of cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands through diverse forms, building a bridge of mutual understanding between the two peoples.