The Embassy of Canada in Beijing hosted a reception on Wednesday in honor of Canada's national day. Over 400 representatives from government, diplomats, businesses, cultural organizations and media took part in the event.

Canadian Ambassador toasts with guests at the reception in Beijing. Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Canada

Since the founding of Canada on July 1, 1867, Canada Day is an important opportunity for Canadians and friends of Canada to come together. It's also an opportunity to reflect on Canada and China's 50 years of official bilateral relations - and long before that, the deep people-to-people ties that still persist today.

The Embassy of Canada in China's Canada Day event showcased the diversity of Canadian culture and heritage, featuring remarks by Ambassador of Canada to China Jennifer May, vibrant food and drink stations profiling ingredients and foods from across Canada, a music program by the Beijing Maurice Ravel French Choir, and photo displays showcasing a diversity of scenes and people in Canada.