The 2025 East Asian Cultural Capital Huzhou China Activity Year commences in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2025 East Asian Cultural Capital Huzhou China Activity Year commenced with an opening ceremony in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on March 20. Representatives from the Culture Cities of East Asia in China, Japan, and South Korea, convened by the South Taihu Lake to foster cultural fusion and mutual appreciation.

The Culture City of East Asia initiative, established in 2012, has recognized 35 cities from China, Japan, and South Korea over the years. Huzhou was designated as 2025 Culture City of East Asia last year, becoming the fourth city in Zhejiang to receive this prestigious title following Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou.

The opening ceremony featured the global premiere of 10 China "Culture City of East Asia" inbound tourism boutique routes. These curated routes invite global visitors to delve into the richness and uniqueness of Chinese culture through experiencing the Silk Road, landscapes, intangible heritage, the Grand Canal, winter scenery, tea culture, and more.

Huzhou also cooperated with Ctrip Group to unveil the Plan to Enhance the Global Influence of Huzhou's Inbound Tourism, including initiatives like cultural and tourism consumption vouchers, "zero-carbon accommodation" incentives, and five innovative measures to streamline inbound tourism services.

Throughout 2025, Huzhou will host eight main events and 13 supporting activities including a global promotional tour and organizing youth from China, Japan, and South Korea to visit Huzhou.

Editor: Cheng Dengyu