A bird's-eye view of Daming Lake, the only lake in the world formed by springs. [Photo/WeChat Account: jnslyj]

Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, has been making efforts to promote international cultural exchanges and cooperation in recent years to enhance the city's international influence and reputation.

Jinan received the title of the 2022 Culture City of East Asia at the 12th China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Ministers' Meeting in 2021.

The Culture City of East Asia is an important social achievement that was codeveloped by China, Japan, and South Korea. The selected cities will carry out diverse cultural and tourism activities to promote cultural exchanges among the three countries.

In 2022, the city hosted more than 100 cultural exchange activities that featured conferences, forums, exhibitions, performances, competitions, and festivals to expand all-round cooperation and exchanges with Japan and South Korea in culture, economy and trade sectors.

Volunteers and citizens in Jinan take a group photo with a banner that highlights the city's efforts to earn the title of Culture City of East Asia. [Photo/Jinan Daily]

Jinan is an important site for the inheritance and development of Confucian culture. The city has played an important role in promoting traditional Chinese culture, and has worked with other select cities including Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, Oita, Japan and Gyeongju, South Korea to enhance people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation in the region.

In recent years, Jinan has developed closer exchanges with Japan and South Korea through a series of cultural and industrial activities. Jinan has established sister city and friendly cooperative city relations with 10 cities in Japan and South Korea.

In addition, 10 Jinan cultural stations for overseas exchanges have been built in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Russia, and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting cultural exchanges, cultural tourism cooperation, and cultural creative products, as well as platforms for attracting talents and investment.

International fashion has also become a hit in Jinan. Artists from 68 countries including Russia, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands have staged a variety of art shows that include dramas, dances, symphonies and silent operas to provide locals opportunities to enjoy international arts.