On September 1, 2025, the Chinese Mission to the EU held a symposium to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, delivered a speech at the symposium. The event brought together directors and experts from mainstream European media outlets and renowned think tanks, such as Euronews, Euractiv, and Friends of Europe. Also present at the event were Chinese diplomats, including Minister Zhu Jing from the Chinese Mission to the EU, and journalists from Chinese media outlets based in Europe.

Ambassador Cai Run emphasized that the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. He noted that it was Chinese people’s the longest, largest national liberation struggle against foreign invasion that paid the heaviest price in modern times, and opened up the main Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people made immense sacrifices for the eventual victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. During the war, China and Europe stood together in solidarity, forging a deep bond of friendship that remains an indelible part of their collective memory. As two major forces, two big markets, and two great civilizations, China and Europe should work together to uphold a correct view of the Second World War, safeguard post-war international order, and inject greater stability and certainty to a world fraught with turbulence.

Guests in attendance had in-depth discussions on “The Contribution of China and Europe to the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War” and “Joint Efforts by China and Europe to Uphold the Post-War International Order.” They said the symposium helped them deepen understanding of China’s crucial contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. They agreed that China and Europe should join hands to uphold multilateralism, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and promote global peace and development.

Prior to the main event, guests visited a photo exhibition and watched a documentary commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

L’article Chinese Mission to the EU marks 80th anniversary of victory in World War II est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, the Mission of China to the European Union is launching a photography, cartoon, and short video creative contest under the theme of “Reviewing the 50-Year Journey of China-EU Relations,Joining Hands to Embrace a Shared Future.” Over the past 50 years, what unforgettable stories, beautiful memories, and precious moments related to China do you or your family and friends have? What are your understandings and insights into the growth of China-EU relations, and what are your expectations and blessings for China-EU relations in the future? We sincerely invite you to capture the stories, ideas, and blessings of you and your family through lens or paintbrushes, to demonstrate the passion and creativity of youngsters, so as to play the symphony of China-EU friendship. Participants will have the chance to win good prizes, certificates stamped by the Mission of China to the European Union, and even an unforgettable trip to China!

1. Contest Overview 

To enhance mutual understanding between Chinese and European people, and tell the unforgettable stories in the 50-year journey of China-EU relations, the photography, cartoon, and short video creative contest titled “Reviewing the 50-Year Journey of China-EU Relations,Joining Hands to Embrace a Shared Future,” under the host of the Chinese Mission to the EU, has officially launched on January 15^th. This contest is now widely soliciting photography, cartoon, and short video work(s) from people of all sectors in Europe. Outstanding works will be displayed in the celebration events for the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU and will be disseminated through mainstream media channels and new media platforms.

2. Participants

The contest is open to people from all sectors in EU members, and young people are especially encouraged to participate.

3. Work(s) Requirements

Please design your work and choose your perspective around themes such as “China in My Eyes,” “My Stories with China,” “Friendship with Chinese Friends,” “China Impressions of My Elders and Relatives,” “Unforgettable Moments of China-EU Relations in the Past 50 Years,” “My Understanding on China-EU Relations,” “Jointly Writing a New Chapter of the Silk Road,” and “The Giant Panda in Europe,” and present them in forms of photography, cartoon, and short video work(s). The work(s) should promote positive values, be in line with the theme, be creative, comply with relevant laws and regulations, and not involve controversial contents such as pornography, violence, or crime.

• Photography: The photography work(s) should have clear image and distinct theme, without any corner marks, TV station logos, watermarks, or other logos; no computer synthesis processing and generative AI tools is allowed. Participants can use relevant software to adjust the size and color of the work(s). Participants can submit one single picture or group pictures under the same theme(4-8 pieces for group works). The format should be JPG, with resolution no less than 300dpi (pixels per inch), file size no less than 3MB.
• Cartoon: No restrictions on the drawing and painting techniques, materials, or forms. Both single picture and group pictures are acceptable. Each participant can present at most 3 pictures. In case of hand-drawn works, participants should upload clear photos or colored scans of the works, with each picture being no less than 5MB in size. Digital paintings can be drawn by using common drawing tools (such as Pad, computer, drawing tablet, drawing screen, etc.), and no generative AI tools is allowed. All the works should be submitted in JPG form.
• Short Video: No restrictions on the style of the work; Forms shall include but are not limited to vlogs, micro-movies, micro-documentaries, MVs, etc. All shooting equipment can be used such as cameras, mobile phones, and others. Participants can present one single video or a group of videos. The duration of each video should be within 5 minutes. The video resolution should be no less than 1280*720, and the format should be MOV/MP4. If there is a voiceover, please add subtitles.
• The works must be original, not submitted to other contests or activities, not commercially used, and free of watermarks such as trademarks, website names, link addresses,etc. No advertisements should be embedded.

4. How to Participate

Please send your work to the sole designated email address for the contest: chinaeu50@gmail.com. The email subject should be noted as Reviewing the 50-Year Journey of China-EU Relations, Joining Hands to Embrace a Shared Future—Name of the Author—Name of the Work and attach a work description in Chinese/English/French, which includes the name of the author, the name of the work, the date and place of creation, and a brief introduction of the work of no more than 200 words.

5. Award Setting

The contest sets three categories: photography, cartoon, and short video. Each category sets ONE FISRT PRIZE, TWO SECOND PRIZES, and THREE THIRD PRIZES. The first prize is a round-trip ticket from Belgium to China or a laptop; the second prize is a smartphone of high-end Chinese brand; the third prize is a smartwatch of high-end Chinese brand. Based on the number of submissions, the specific number of awards may be slightly adjusted. In addition to the first, second, and third prize winners, all other participants will receive an honorable mention and an exquisite gift.

All participants will be awarded a certificate of merit stamped by the Chinese Mission to the EU. Winners of the first, second, and third prizes will be given priority invitation to participate in the celebration events marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations organized by the Chinese Mission to the EU, to introduce how the work is created and share the experience of participating the contest. They will also be given priority invitation to visiting China organized by the Chinese Mission to the EU in the future.

6. Timeline

(1) Submission: From now to March 20, 2025.

(2) Works Evaluation and Judging: Early March. The shortlisted works will be displayed on the official Instagram account of the Chinese Mission to the EU for likes collection, and the number of likes will serve as an important reference for final awarding. In early and mid-March, the  contest host and professionals from related fields will conduct final evaluation of the shortlisted works for final awarding.

(3) Announcement of Winners: The results will be announced in mid-March. The winning works will be exhibited on the official website , the official Instagram account, the “X” account, the Bluesky account, and accounts of other new media platforms of the Chinese Mission to the EU, as well as Chinese and European mainstream media.

7. Detailed Terms

All participants are deemed to be fully aware of, recognize, and agree to comply with the following terms:

(1) The Participant must guarantee that he/she is the sole author of the submitted work(s) and has independent, complete, clear, and undisputed copyright and the right to submit the works for the contest. In cases of co-creation, the entire authorization from other right holder(s) should also be submitted. Participants should also make sure that the presented work(s) are created in a legal and compliant manner and do not infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of any third party, including copyright, portrait right, the right to reputation, the right to privacy, etc.

(2) The host and related parties of this event have the right to cite, publicize, display, and publish the presented works in relevant events, as well as other forms of presentation, publicity and release, in non-commercial and non-profitable ways.

• The right to final interpretation of the contest belongs to the Chinese Mission to the European Union.

Please scan the QR codes of the official accounts of the Chinese Mission to the EU to follow the latest development and progress of the contest.

L’article Celebrating 50 Years of China-EU Relations: submit your photos, cartoons and videos est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

April is when all kinds of spring blossoms flourish. And on the Groot-Bijgaarden Castle grounds, that’s serious business. Over a million bulbs are planted by hand, including the nearly 400 varieties of tulips on display during the April Floralia Flower Show. The abundance of pink, white, purple, and blue hyacinths and sunny daffodils help turn this nature exhibition into a vibrant tapestry of colour. The festival’s backdrop – a stately 17^th century moated castle – adds to the charm. The sense of enchantment is also enhanced by the 14^th century donjon towering over the colourful flora. The grounds are only open to the public during Floralia. So, be sure to buy your ticket to this floral extravaganza.

And… while you’re in the neighbourhood, why not make it a day trip? Just next door – in the village of Sint-Anna-Pede – you can discover the works of famous Belgian painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the very landscape that inspired him. Find out why it was such a powerful muse on a walk, bike ride, or even by wagon! When you stop to catch your breath, try a refreshing geuze. It’s the region’s pride and joy, and the local Timmermans Brewery has been faithfully producing it for over 300 years!   

Meise Botanic Garden is your stop for a sophisticated mix of floral splendour, rich culture, and history. Bouchout Castle, at the heart of this 92-hectare domain, dates back to the 12^th century. However, around the French Revolution, it was thoroughly renovated. That’s when the lavish garden was embellished with additional ponds and a rich variety of exotic plants. The last resident of the castle was Princess Charlotte, King Leopold II’s youngest sibling. Bouchout still bears traces of her harrowing history as the Empress of Mexico and her years as a grieving widow.

Naturally, the castle isn’t the site’s main attraction. The garden and its Plant Palace are one of the largest of their kind in the world. While the park is worth a trip all year round, spring and summer are exceptionally breathtaking, with the outdoor flowers in bloom. To explore the exotic – i.e. plants that fail to thrive in Belgium’s climate – you can peruse the large vegetation zones in the greenhouse complex. Strolling from the desert into the rainforest and out into the savannah … losing your way isn’t hard to imagine here. Whatever you do, don’t forget to check out the giant waterlilies. Did you know that they’re actually strong enough to carry a baby? An hour is barely enough to immerse yourself in the different climates. Still, if your time is limited, definitely reserve another hour to explore the rest of the park. The culinary, medieval, and rose gardens and the flower theatre await!

Fortunately, Meise Botanic Garden is easy to reach by bus (250 and 251 from Brussels North) and car (Exit 3 off the A12), and there’s parking around the domain. Even better, its surrounded by walking and cycling nodes, making it the perfect start or finish to a countryside walk or ride. For a combination of town life, history, and culture, you could easily combine your Meise Botanic Garden visit with a trip to picturesque Grimbergen and Vilvoorde. This handy itinerary will help you on your way.

Can’t get enough? Flemish Brabant is teeming with options to combine spring’s natural bliss, castles, or a leisurely park stroll. Park Ter Rijst (Pepingen) is always fantastic for a peaceful walk through the lush, quiet countryside.

And Tervuren Park is the ideal setting for your first picnic of the year. Gaasbeek Castle’s European-Grant-Award winning Museum Garden opens its doors to visitors again in May. And in the summer? Drop by the Coloma Castle Rose Garden Festival (13-27 June) in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. ICI Paris XL has got nothing on the heady fragrance of its near-endless varieties of roses. Many of these parks will join the Parks Parade in June with loads of luck-themed activities for you to enjoy.

L’article Castles and flowers: a perfect spring outing just outside Brussels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.