The 'Experiencing China' event series was held in Berlin during the Berlin Asian-Pacific Week from May 18 to 24. Included among the events were Beijing's keynote forum 'Intelligent City, Innovative Life', its intangible cultural heritage exhibition on Ditan Temple Cultural Fair, and its cuisine festival, rendering an Oriental flavor to the Germany's capital city.
At the keynote forum, guests from both countries discussed about the innovations and difficulties in city management concerning energy-saving lifestyles, green buildings, parking lots and sports venues. Shen Jinzhen from the Beijing City Planning Commission talked about Beijing's development strategies and innovations in urban management. Wu Weilin, deputy chairman of the Beijing Olympic City Development Association, introduced the city's efforts in applying for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. A photo exhibition on Beijing's application and a cuisine reception were also held at the spot.
Shi Mingde, China's ambassador to Germany, said at the forum that China thought highly of the Berlin Week as a platform for both countries to enhance their exchange and deepen their cooperation. The forum theme of 'Intelligent City, Innovative Life' represented China's promotion for a green lifestyle.
Magnus Ryan, vice-president of the Party Union from the German's parliament, said that China had achieved huge progress in its urbanization. German should tap into China's experience and exchange with China opinions about the city management and urban sustainable development. He also thanked the visit of the Chinese delegation, hoping to strengthen friendly relations between Beijing and Berlin.
Zhao Wenyi, head of the China's delegation for the Berlin Week, said that Beijing faced challenges such as traffic digestion, air pollution and water shortage in its development and hoped to learn experience from Berlin and other Asian-Pacific cities to better improve the well-being of its citizens.