Commemorative activities for the China-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year kicked off on Dec 16 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and organized by the Qingdao culture and tourism bureau.

A symphony concert is held on Dec 16 to mark the China-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year in Qingdao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A symphony concert was held on the evening of Dec 16. Under the direction of famous conductor Lin Daye, the Qingdao Symphony Orchestra played classic pieces from China and South Korea, such as Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix, Jasmine Flower, Arirang and Dae Jang Geum.

Qingdao violinist Lyu Siqing played the violin concerto Butterfly Lovers, while tenor You Long, soprano Zhang Lili and suona player Li Kang also brought wonderful musical works to the audience.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea, the two governments have designated 2021-2022 as the year of China-ROK Cultural Exchange, during which the two countries will hold various activities aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation and exchanges in culture, art, sports and tourism.

Classic pieces from China and South Korea are performed at the symphony concert. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In addition to the symphony concert, a two-month art exhibition opened on Dec 15 at the Qingdao Sculpture Gallery, displaying 100 works of Chinese painting, watercolor, oil painting and photography created by artists from Qingdao and Cheongju.

Qingdao and South Korea, separated by the Yellow Sea, have been close neighbors with frequent economic and cultural exchanges since ancient times.

An art exhibition is held at the Qingdao Sculpture Gallery to mark the China-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year in Qingdao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over the years, the two sides have had frequent exchanges in various fields. South Korea is the largest source of overseas tourists, the second largest source of foreign investment and the third largest trading partner of Qingdao. Qingdao has established friendly ties with a number of South Korean cities.

The commemorative activities for the China-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year will further expand cooperation between Qingdao and South Korea in the fields of economy, trade, culture and tourism and enhance mutual understanding.

People browse exhibits at the Qingdao Sculpture Gallery. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]