A delegation from Kazanlak, Bulgaria, led by Maraden Zhelev, a city council member of Kazanlak, visited Jinan, capital of Shandong province, from May 26 to 29 to further strengthen cultural and economic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

The delegation explored the city's cultural venues such as the Jinan Opera and Quyi Center, Jinan Cultural Center, and Jinan Art Gallery. During the visit, they gained insights into the rich history and development of Jinan's traditional performing arts, observed the construction and operation of Jinan's cultural facilities, and experienced the city's intangible cultural heritage items such as Jinan shadow puppetry.

Jinan and Kazanlak established sister city ties in 2013 and have since strengthened cooperation in areas such as culture and the rose industry. Located 194 kilometers from Bulgaria's capital of Sofia, Kazanlak is the country's 10th largest economic center and is famed as the "city of roses", with its rose essential oil exported worldwide.

The event is expected to further promote cultural and artistic exchange between the two cities and enhance the global influence of Jinan's distinctive culture and arts.

The delegation from Kazanlak, Bulgaria visits the Jinan Opera and Quyi Center in Jinan on May 28. [Photo/Jinan International Communication Center]

A delegate from Kazanlak tries his hand at shadow puppetry. [Photo/Jinan International Communication Center]

The delegation from Kazanlak enjoys a shadow puppetry performance. [Photo/Jinan International Communication Center]