Former prime minister of Belgium explores Guilin's cultural, natural treasures

Herman Van Rompuy, president emeritus of the European Council and former prime minister of Belgium, accompanied by his wife Geertrui Maria C. Windels, took a boat tour in Guilin, Guangxi, China on April 2.

Their excursion commenced with a poignant visit to the Guilin Yuzi Paradise Art Park, a tribute to their late friend, the sculptor Hilde Van Sumere. Here, they stood beside Sumere's masterpiece "Lotus" for a commemorative photograph.

Afterward, the couple toured through the park, admiring an array of sculptures created by artists from around the world. At the Life Art Museum within the park's confines, they delved into the art of Gongcheng oil tea production, savoring its distinctive tea flavors. They also had a hands-on encounter with Guilin's traditional colored woodblock printing, a representative intangible cultural heritage of Guangxi. Additionally, they took a walk to explore the caves and appreciate the unique charm of Guilin's karst landforms.

They boarded a cruise from the Mopanshan Wharf and traveled to Yangshuo county, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Lijiang River. The couple interacted closely with cormorants, listened to classic folk songs of Guangxi, and immersed themselves in the distinctive culture of the ethnic minorities in Guilin.

After touring the Lijiang River during the day, they were treated to a live performance of "Impression Liu Sanjie," showcasing the stunning landscapes along the riverbank in the evening.

Of note, the "Impression Liu Sanjie," set against the backdrop of Guilin's picturesque landscape, celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 20. As the first large-scale live performance of its kind in China, it ingeniously blends Liu Sanjie's songs, ethnic minority emotions, and the flickering lights of the Lijiang River, integrating them creatively into the magnificent scenery of Guilin. This fusion of culture and tourism has realized a classic born from the symbiosis of natural landscapes and ethnic heritage.

Herman Van Rompuy, along with his wife, takes a boat tour in Guilin, Guangxi, China, on April 2. [Photo/Guilin Daily]