Numerous landmarks and attractions across Europe are set to create a bridge of light with China on 2nd and 3rd March 2018 by turning a shade of red to celebrate the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY). The pan-European celebration is to coincide with the Lantern Festival in China which marks the end of the New Year’s festivities. Thus far, the European pillar of the light bridge includes 30 sites in 12 EU member states. Cultural events involving both local and Chinese communities will accompany the illumination of the landmarks in several locations.
The Light Bridge initiative aims at increasing awareness of lesser known European destinations in China. It is also an opportunity for European and Chinese communities to better familiarize and appreciate each other’s cultures. The Chinese pillar of the light bridge will be built on 9th May 2018 on the occasion of Europe Day.
The Light Bridge features as a part of an ambitious program of activities carried out on the occasion of the EU-China Tourism Year. The ECTY aims to promote the EU as a travel destination in China, provide opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation as well as mutual understanding and create an incentive to make progress on market opening and visa facilitation.
The European Commission is responsible for the organization of the ECTY in cooperation with the European Travel Commission and the China National Tourism Administration.
European line-up for the EU-China Light Bridge:
Austria
โข Olympic Sky Jump, Innsbruck
โข Brucknerhaus, Linz
โข Design Center, Linz
โข TipsArena, Linz
โข Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Wattens
Belgium
โข Sint-Janshuis Mill, Bruges
โข Grand Place, Brussels
โข Durbuy
โข The Caves of Han, Han-sur-Lesse
Croatia
โข Great Revelin Tower, Korฤula
โข Trsat Castle, Rijeka
โข Stari Grad Plain, Stari Grad
โข Zagreb Fountains
Estonia
โข TV Tower, Tallinn
Finland
โข Finlandia Hall, Helsinki
France
โข Place Stanislas and Arc HERE, Nancy
โข Pont du Gard, Vers-Pont-du-Gard
Germany
โข Mouse Tower, Bingen
โข Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz
Hungary
โข Lookout Tower, Bekecs
โข Hotel Gellรฉrt, Budapest
โข Palast of Arts – MUPA, Budapest
Ireland
โข Spike Island, Cork
โข Heritage Centre, Kells
Italy
โข Roman Forum, Aquileia
โข Po Delta
โข Palazzo Madama and MAO Oriental Art Museums, Turin
Malta
โข St James Cavalier, Valletta
Romania
โข National Theather, Bucharest
Serbia
โข Belgrade Brides, Belgrade