In a move to promote subnational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, the Jiangsu Provincial government became the third local government from China to promote its tourism at the United Nations headquarters in New York this year.

The opening ceremony of the art exhibition titled "Dialogue between Jiangsu and the world, sharing a better life" was held at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. Hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, the 12-day exhibition will feature the works of Chinese and international photographers, showcasing Jiangsu's natural landscapes, cultural charm and human spirit to the world.

"Jiangsu is a major province in eastern China known for its robust economy, rich culture, extensive tourism and openness. It stands out as the only province in China to boast major rivers, vast lakes and access to the sea. On this ancient yet vibrant land, water and culture reflect each other magnificently, and humans coexist harmoniously with nature," Li Chuan, deputy director of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said at the opening ceremony though video.

"Culture and tourism are vital for global exchanges and mutual learning," Li said. To support UN cultural values and boost international tourism recovery, Jiangsu has introduced eight measures to enhance inbound tourism services, including easier foreign currency exchange, payments and venue reservations, he added.

"We eagerly invite you to Jiangsu to experience its scenic beauty, rich flavors and vibrant culture, and to discover even more," Li said.

Elizabeth Chin, executive director of the Pacific Asia Travel Association; Fred Teng, president of the America China Public Affairs Institute; and Wenyan Yang, chief of Social perspective on Development Branch at the United Nations also attended the event.

"This year marks the 35th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Jiangsu province and New York State. As a native New Yorker, this connection truly warms my heart. Congratulations to this wonderful partnership," Chin said. "If you have not been to Jiangsu, I encourage you to see for yourself how beautiful it really is in Jiangsu," she added.

The sister-state relationship between the two regions was officially established in 1989. Since then, the two regions have engaged in exchanges and cooperation in fields includes economy and trade, education, culture, and tourism.
The art exhibition also features over ten photographs that review the history of exchanges between the two regions.

Xinyang, a city of Henan province, and Nanjing, capital of the Jiangsu province, also held tourism promotion events at the United Nations earlier this year.

minluzhang@chinadailyusa.com