HANGZHOU, China - The eighth Hangzhou International Day, launched on Sept. 5 by the majestic Qiantang River, drew a cosmopolitan mix of diplomatic corps from 23 countries, reps from 7 international organization, delegates from 2 friendly exchange cities, and members of the Belt and Road Local Cooperation Committee (BRLC), etc.
The theme for this year’s, “Hangzhou, A Paradise Where AI Booms and Culture Blooms,” comes at a strategic moment as China transitions between its 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans. The event will be a reinforced drive for the city’s ambition to lead in high-quality development and common prosperity in Zhejiang province - with a clear emphasis on global partnerships.
The opening ceremony, as the core event, showcased Hangzhou’s multi-faceted achievements in tech innovation, international cooperation, and cultural exchange. In his address, Liu Fei, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Hangzhou Municipal Committee, stated that over the years, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s guiding principles on opening-up have been deeply rooted in the city. The banner of mutual benefit and shared progress is held high, and Hangzhou International Day is considered a bridge to continue the international economic and cultural exchanges. These efforts are driving high-quality economic and social development and elevating the city’s global profile.
Liu said that looking ahead, Hangzhou will be a city known for its even greater vibrancy and innovation. The city will continue to provide first-class business environments and optimal ecosystems for the brilliant minds from around the world. Hangzhou will stand at the heart of the world’s digital trade landscape to inject a new drive for economic cooperation through a “Digital Silk Road.” The city aims to play a central role in worldwide exchanges, particularly for strengthening people-to-people ties and enabling a conversation among global civilizations.
From the perspective of city cooperation, Damiano Tommasi, Mayor of Verona, Italy, shared his vision for partnerships with Hangzhou. Wang Jian, Director of Zhejiang Lab and founder of Alibaba Cloud, delivered a keynote speech on Hangzhou’s sci-tech innovation ecosystem, offering insights into the sources of the city’s vitality.
The event opening also announced the launch of multiple cooperation initiatives and city service upgrades: The unveiling of Hangzhou-Verona Exchange Exhibition Hall marks a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two cities; The letter of intent for friendly relationship signed between Hangzhou and Serang, Indonesia, and the agreement inked between Hangzhou City University and the University of Verona lays a groundwork for future economic, trade, and educational partnerships; In tech field, the release of Technology Transfer Genius Model 2.0 - China’s first LLM on tech transfer, promises to speed up the commercialization of inventions or tech breakthroughs.
AI Hangzhou 2.0 is specifically on the spotlight. It has 11 upgrades, including a “tourist service pack” for short-term visitors in need of a phone card, streamlined hotel check-in, luggage delivery, tourist discounts, and tax refunds; a “resident pack” that helps get customs self-service and the accreditation of cross-border e-commerce talents, aside from the existing apps for utility payment, social security contribution, and voluntary service; and a “transit pack” incorporating airport shuttle, public biking, bus/subway, and coach services, along with an exclusive tiered discount for public transit and deposit-free bike rentals.
As the secretariat of BRLC, Hangzhou continues to champion local diplomacy under the Belt and Road Initiative. Five new members were welcomed at the ceremony - three from Italy (Comune Bassignana, Comune di Pieve di Soligo, and Gardone Riviera), one from Indonesia (North Minahasa Regency) and one from Argentina (the Civil Association for the Argentinian-Chinese Cooperation) - bringing total membership to 101 cities and institutions.
Two high-profile foreign experts - Frédéric Genty, French Dean of Zhongfa Aviation Institute of Beihang University and Antonio Francesco Logrieco, team leader at the Biological Manufacturing Research Institute, Xianghu Lab - received the “Join in Card.” The through-train smart card for social security, work permission and public services simplifies life in China for overseas talents.
After the opening, the guests toured an exhibition on Hangzhou’s global footprints and enjoyed highlights from operas such as “Aida” and “Romeo and Juliet” - a way to blend art with cultural ambassadorship.
The program also continued with site visits to the exhibition hall of the Future Tech City, local tech giants, the 1954 Constitution History Museum, and the National Wetland Museum of China - to help visitors grab a full picture of the city’s blend of innovation and heritage, and help the city secure future collaborations.
Media Contact
Company Name: Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Hangzhou Municipality
Contact Person: Chen Jingjing
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Country: China
Website: http://fao.hangzhou.gov.cn/