CRI听力:Beijing Week Kicks off at Milan Expo

Long queues of people waited for hours to try to get into the China Pavilion, which is an arched timber-and-steel structure that resembles rippling wheat.

They were hoping to see acrobats, dancers, and opera singers put on shows to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Beijing.

As the first Chinese city to be featured at the Italian world expo, Beijing authorities at the event are launching a series of interactive activities in the upcoming days.

Li Wei, Secretary-General of Beijing municipal government, says they want to use the event to highlight the city's cosmopolitan side.

"Beijing is an ancient capital boasting a history of more than 3000 years. But at the same time, it is also a modern city within an ancient civilization. Beijing is open to global communications and it will strengthen cooperation with cities around the rest of world in various areas including economics, technology and culture. Beijing is eager to work more closely with other cities. And we sincerely hope that our friends from all around the world will continue to support the development of the city. "

Wang Jinzhen is the head the Beijing delegation at the Milan Expo.

He says "Beijing week" is a good example to follow for events to be held by other Chinese cities and provinces.

"Firstly, Beijing week covers a wide range of activities with various themes, ranging from agriculture to food safety, which will fully display the glamour of the city. The glazed red walls and splendid landscape of the pavilion all add charm to the city. "

Stefano Cartie is the curator of the Italy Pavillion in Milan.

He says he believes Beijing Week should help people better understand Beijing.

"During the events held by China, we will also hold corresponding activities at the Italy pavilion. I hope we can explore more potential for bilateral cooperation. We will start from March. We'll introduce the region to Beijing first. And similar activities will follow. The world expo not just serves as a tourist site but also a huge platform for companies to seek opportunities for cooperation and chances of increasing their global market share."

The Milan Expo, which is running until October, is also promoting Beijing's candidacy for 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Gao Xuemei, a member of Beijing's Bid Committee, says it’s their hope the Expo will help their bid.

"At the closing ceremony of the Beijing Week, we will have our image ambassadors with us to introduce the theme song for Beijing's bid to host the Winter Olympics, and to interact with the audience. Hopefully through this opportunity, more and more people will get to know the progress of our bid."

The Beijing Week also marks the first overseas presentation of an international horticultural expo that will take place in Beijing in 2019.

For CRI, I'm Guo Yan.