Light bridge makes Belfast a beacon for links with China

Belfast has highlighted the links between the city and the province with China by lighting up a number of buildings in red and gold on Friday night as part of the 2018 EU'“China Tourism Year (ECTY).
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2018, 20:17 BST
Updated 2nd Mar 2018, 21:19 BST
Li Li, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chinese Welfare Association, Lord Mayor, Nuala McAllister and Chinese Consul General in Belfast, Madame Wang Shuying pictured at the lighting up ceremonyLi Li, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chinese Welfare Association, Lord Mayor, Nuala McAllister and Chinese Consul General in Belfast, Madame Wang Shuying pictured at the lighting up ceremony
Li Li, Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chinese Welfare Association, Lord Mayor, Nuala McAllister and Chinese Consul General in Belfast, Madame Wang Shuying pictured at the lighting up ceremony

The city has signed up to be part of the EU-China Light Bridge aimed at creating a bridge between the EU and China by illuminating landmarks with the colours of their flags on symbolic nights as well as organising local, festive and cultural initiatives.

It was launched by the European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker and the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Friday coincided with the day of the Lantern Festival in China.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Among the iconic buildings showing their colours were Belfast City Hall, Titanic Belfast, Belfast Waterfront, and the dome of Victoria Square.

The Chinese Consul General in Belfast, Madame Wang Shuying joined Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister as the City Hall was lit up.

“We are really looking forward to being part of a Europe-wide initiative that aims to raise the profile of destinations within Europe to a Chinese audience and I am delighted that Madame Wang is here to share this occasion with us,” said Ms McAllister.

“We have already established links through our Sister Cities Network with Shenyang and this wider initiative will help us to expand the work we are doing economically, culturally and socially with China.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Madame Wang, said: “I think it is important that Belfast is seen to participate in this initiative.

“It is wonderful to see the support that it has been given locally and I wish the city and everyone in it good fortune as we send forward our best wishes for the year ahead.”

Related topics:Europe