European landmarks to light up red during Chinese Lantern Festival

BRUSSELS - Numerous landmarks and attractions across Europe are set to create a bridge of light with China on Mar 2 and 3 by turning a shade of red, according to the European Travel Commission (ETC).

The pan-European celebration for the 2018 China-EU Tourism Year is to coincide with the Lantern Festival in China which marks the end of the Lunar New Year's festivities.

The European pillar of the light bridge will include 30 sites in 12 EU member states, such as the Grand Place in Brussels and Belgrade Bridges in Serbia, with cultural events attended by both local and Chinese communities accompanying the illumination of the landmarks in several locations, ETC said Wednesday.

The ETC said that the light bridge initiative aims at increasing awareness of lesser known European destinations in China, and also serves an opportunity for European and Chinese communities to better familiarise and appreciate each other's cultures.