by Wang Zichen and James Wright
BRUSSELS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Dubbed as the "world's smallest city," Durbuy in Belgium's French-speaking part of Wallonia has seen its old town and main square turned into a dashing spectacle this week.
Dozens of performers danced to the rhythm of cymbals going "qiang qiang qiang" as lion and dragon heads towered over the crowds. The streets were adorned with flowers and bright lanterns, while enthusiastic onlookers cheered on and took photos with the performers.
The Peking Opera cultural exhibition in Durbuy has attracted the attention of the public. Although there are currently only 500 inhabitants in the city, Durbuy with its secluded alleyways, picturesque houses and twists, as well as the famous pebble road, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
As part of Belgium's 2018 "Happy Spring Festival" series, the Chinese Culture Week kicked off on Feb. 11.
The opening day featured a foreign dragon and lion dance by Belgian group "Mante Belge," a non-profit organization that has participated in various competitions and performances of Europe in China over nearly three decades.
Walloon Minister for Tourism Rene Collin told Xinhua in an exclusive interview that he hopes this opportunity will further bridge the friendship between Wallonia and Belgium, leading to mutual benefit and a "win-win" situation.
Qu Xing, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, said: "Cooperation between China and Belgium is colorful in all areas and I have described it as a flower garden. The event adds a very beautiful flower to this already blooming garden, which is also a very beautiful wave of more and more exciting overseas activities of China's Spring Festival."
