Charming Shanghai, a promotional event highlighting Shanghai's rich cultural heritage, made its debut in Egypt on Sept 8, marking a significant cultural exchange between China and Egypt.

The inaugural ceremony, held in the city of Cairo, featured a diverse program designed to showcase the essence of Shanghai's culture and landscape. Among the highlights were a health forum spotlighting traditional Chinese medicine and a captivating photography exhibition capturing the beauty and diversity of Shanghai. The event drew over 200 distinguished guests, including representatives from the sports, media, and education sectors, both from China and internationally.

Zhang Chaoyang, minister at the Chinese embassy in Egypt, hailed the Charming Shanghai event as a pivotal moment in the China-Egypt Partnership Year, emphasizing the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in nurturing mutual understanding and fostering lasting friendships between the two nations. He underscored that such initiatives lay the groundwork for building a cohesive China-Arab community with a shared future.

Ali Hefny, vice-president of the Egypt-China Friendship Association, lauded the event for providing Egyptian citizens with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and experience the allure of Shanghai — a city renowned for its seamless blend of modernity and tradition.

The event premiered an engaging introductory video titled Go and See Shanghai, featuring Arabic characters and dubbed in Arabic, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Shanghai's cultural landscape. Additionally, a photography exhibition curated by IP Shanghai showcased 30 works capturing the multifaceted essence of the city.

At the themed health forum focusing on TCM, experts from China and Egypt engaged in insightful discussions on the heritage and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine. Attendees were also treated to a hands-on experience as they participated in Yi Jin Jing, an ancient traditional Chinese exercise aimed at enhancing fitness and promoting overall well-being, under the guidance of Shanghai health experts.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.