'Guangzhou Night' electrifies Summer Davos

Guangzhou once again became the focus of the world's attention on Wednesday as the city held its annual "Guangzhou Night" at the Summer Davos Forum in Dalian, Liaoning province on June 28.

More than 400 distinguished guests including Summer Davos attendees, officials from Guangzhou municipal government and business leaders from the South China city attended the event.

Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, delivers a speech at the "Guangzhou Night" event held during the Summer Davos 2017 in Dalian, Liaoning province on June 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year marked the third time that the event has been held at the Summer Davos forum, which has become a main channel to increase Guangzhou's global exposure.

This year's "Guangzhou Night" projected a multi-dimensional image of Guangzhou to the world that integrated the city's high-technology companies, distinctive culture, innovation, dynamism, beautiful environment and delicious food.

Klaus Schwab tries traditional Guangzhou snacks at the "Guangzhou Night" event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A wide range of high-tech exhibits were on display at the event including Xiaoman Robot, an android receptionist, a hybrid electric vehicle developed by Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and 8K display screens produced by Foxconn.

"Guangzhou Night" also traditionally features various performances with distinctive southern Chinese features, and this year's event was no exception. The program integrated artistic performances and demonstrations of local art forms such as Guangcai ceramics, rosewood palace lanterns and Lingnan-style Chinese zither recitals.

Musicians perform Zhushui Xinyun, a performance depicting Guangzhou's prosperity, at the "Guangzhou Night" event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guests also got to sample delicious traditional Guangzhou snacks such as steamed buns stuffed with barbecued roast pork and coconut milk jelly.

"Guangzhou is a very attractive city and I am grateful that Guangzhou embraces the World Economic Forum with open arms," said Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum in a speech delivered at the event. He added he was looking forward to seeing the city again.

A hybrid electric vehicle developed by Guangzhou-based enterprise GAC Group is on display at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chen Zhiying, executive vice-mayor of Guangzhou, also made a speech at the event, saying that Guangzhou, an open and inclusive city with a great business environment and convenient transportation, welcomes talents to come and start businesses there.