The China Tourism & Culture Week and Food Festival kicked off in Fiji on Wednesday night, showcasing China's beautiful landscapes, colorful culture and delicious food.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said that both China and Fiji have rich tourism and cultural resources, so it is a good opportunity for Chinese and Fijian peoples to exchange ideas on tourism development and art appreciation.

Themed "Beauty of China," the event will come to an end on Saturday.

Two delegations, one from North China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and the other from East China's Jiangsu Province, provided the audience with 40 beautiful landscape photos, ethnic art performances, intangible cultural heritage displays and amazing Huaiyang cuisine, which is regarded as one of the top four Chinese cuisines.

China and Fiji have enjoyed good relations for decades, particularly in recent years. The cultural exchanges between the two countries will promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, said Qian.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will help promote a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development between China and Fiji and the rest of the South Pacific island nations, he added.

Iowane Naivalurua, former Fijian ambassador to China and now permanent secretary at Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Fiji and China enjoy very good relations and this event is sure to help strengthen the cultural exchanges taking place between the two countries.

For his part, Christopher Cocker, CEO of the South Pacific Tourism Organization, said that tourism is a tool and driver for economic development for the Pacific region and an effective means for promoting peace and prosperity throughout the world.