Liu Qi (L, front)， a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, and Asang Laoly (R, front)， a member of the Political Bureau of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao Deputy Prime Minister visit the "Charming Beijing" photo exhibition in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on Nov. 4, 2011. (Xinhua/Si Hongliang)
VIENTIANE, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Charming Beijing photo exhibition opened on Friday at the National Culture Hall in Laos' capital of Vientiane, showcasing 80 photos of Beijing as both ancient capital and international metropolis for the first time.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lu Wei, Vice Mayor of Beijing, said that Beijing is a charming city with a long history and many cultural traditions, adding that not only people from Beijing and China love the city, but also people from all over the world are attracted by its blend of modern and old.
"Beijing and Vientiane are friendly cities, and we hope that the Charming Beijing photo exhibition will enhance the cultural exchange, deepen the friendship, and especially strengthen the cooperation in the historic preservation, urban planning, and environmental sectors between the two cities to benefit the two cities' people," he said.
Somvanhday Nathavong, Vice Mayor of Vientiane, said the photo exhibition gave Vientiane residents wonderful insight into Beijing 's rich and extensive culture, and development over time.
"I believe the exhibition will further enhance the understanding and friendship between Laos-China, and Beijing- Vientiane," Somvanhday added.
The Charming Beijing photo exhibition has gone on show in over 20 countries, impressing and educating audiences on the Chinese capital's vibrant past and present.
Exhibition attendees also watched a promotional video for Beijing and tasted tea from the Lao She Tea House.
About 150 honored guests including Liu Qi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, Bu Jianguo, Chinese Ambassador to Laos, and Asang Laoly, member of the Political Bureau of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
Source: Xinhua