French guests view photos of Wuxi's spring landscapes after the press conference. [Photo/WeChat account: wxytz96889688]

A press conference for the Taihu Yuantouzhu International Cherry Blossom Festival and the 38th Chinese Lotus Exhibition was held at Espace Réaumur in France on April 12.

Sponsored by the Wuxi Culture and Tourism Development Group, the events are expected to showcase the city's cultural wealth and natural resources and promote friendly exchanges.

Blooming lotus flowers in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wxytz96889688]

An internationally renowned spot for viewing cherry blossoms, Yuantouzhu scenic area began planting cherry trees in the 1930s. The Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest was established in the scenic area decades later.

This summer, the spot will host the 38th Chinese Lotus Exhibition in collaboration with Liyuan Garden and Guanshe Hill Villa from July 5 to Aug 31. The exhibition this year is expected to have the largest exhibition area, the largest number of exhibitors, and the most lotus species yet.

One of the most popular locations to view cherry blossoms within the Yuantouzhu scenic area. [Photo/WeChat account: wxytz96889688]

Eric Duluc, president of the International Tourism Federation of France, noted at the press conference that the federation has cooperated with China's tourism authorities for over 10 years.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries as well as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. Now is the perfect time for the Wuxi group to promote its cultural and tourism resources in Paris, Duluc added.

He also expressed an expectation to establish a long-term and deep collaborative relationship with the Wuxi Culture and Tourism Development Group.

Corinne Picaut, director of the tourism bureau of Melun, also expressed willingness to establish relations with the group to strengthen cultural exchanges at the conference.