East China's Shandong province held a cultural tourism promotional event titled "Hometown of Confucius, Hospitable Shandong" in Madrid, Spain on May 9.

Nearly 200 guests attended the event, including government officials, representatives from the Asia-Pacific Department of the World Tourism Organization, as well as representatives from media outlets, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, overseas Chinese communities, and culture and art circles.

Guests attend the Shandong cultural tourism promotional event in Madrid, Spain on May 9. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Spain, as well as the "China-Spain Year of Culture and Tourism".

Bai Yugang, head of the Shandong provincial publicity department, noted in his speech that tourism helps civilizations spread, facilitates cultural exchanges, and promotes friendship.

"We would like to take this opportunity to work closely with Spanish counterparts to pursue common development that produces mutual benefits and win-win results, strengthen cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism, and write a new chapter in the exchanges between the two places," said Bai.

A Nishan bookstore plate is presented to the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese Ambassador to Spain Wu Haitao said that the Shandong culture and tourism promotional event will open a window for the Spanish people to understand the history and culture of Shandong and China, showcase the unique charm of Shandong and China, as well as further promote people-to-people exchanges and friendly exchanges between China and Spain.

A tea promotional event and the Meeting the Sea along the Yellow River: Shandong Painting and Calligraphy photo exhibition were also held.

The Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism presents a replica of Shandong's representative cultural relics to the Chinese Cultural Center in Madrid. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Locals enjoy a tea art performance in Madrid, Spain. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shandong promotes its unique culture in Madrid, Spain. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]