Chongqing - To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Spain, iChongqing and Bridging News organized a Spanish live stream on March 28. The event aimed to facilitate discussions on Sino-Spanish trade and cultural tourism collaborations collaboration.

During the live stream, iChongqing's reporter Chen Zhan connected with Barcelona, Spain, from Southwest China's Chongqing. Viewers were taken on a virtual tour along the Passeig de Gràcia, one of the major avenues in Barcelona, to appreciate the artistic works of the renowned Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí.

Spanish architecture is known far and wide. 

Zhou Zhe, a Chinese influencer in Spain, stood before Casa Milà and shared on the live stream, "I have lived in Spain for eight years, and I love Barcelona. This city offers an opportunity to experience diverse cultures and taste different styles of food."

Gaudi's work is prominent throughout Barcelona, characterized by vibrant colors, organic shapes, and religious symbolism.

iChongqing reporter Chen Zhan (right) hosted the Spanish live stream at the studio with Susana (left), a Chinese Spanish studying for a Ph.D. in Architecture at Chongqing University, together with Ana Hu, General Manager of the International Cooperation Center ELP in Chongqing and Zhou Zhe, the Chinese influencer living in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Susana, a Chinese-Spanish Ph.D. student of Architecture at Chongqing University, explained that buildings in Spain are typically constructed in blocks, which is a contrast to the steep mountains of Chongqing. The relatively flat terrain of Barcelona has made urban planning easier.

Spanish architecture is widely recognized and appreciated, and the International Cooperation Center ELP in Chongqing incorporates many Spanish design elements, such as a Gothic-style dome and Mediterranean-style art painting, alongside some Chinese elements.

The international Cooperation Center ELP offers regular courses, examination courses of all levels, and Spanish language courses for tourism and foreign trade professionals, following European standards.

"I really like this design," said the general manager, Ana Hu. "It reflects the relationship between China and Spain, two countries with different cultural backgrounds that tolerate and respect each other."

The Chinese influencer in Spain, Zhou Zhe, joined the live stream in Barcelona. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Mutual cultural recognition between China and Spain

According to Hu, Spain has established many bilateral regulations and is known for having a good trade environment and reputation, which has laid a solid foundation for trade cooperation between China and Spain.

Both countries are working together in a wide range of areas, and more and more Chinese are learning about Spain through the Spanish language.

Spanish quality products, such as dairy products, olive oil, and ham, as well as fashion brands like Zara and Oysho of Inditex Group, are gaining recognition among Chinese consumers due to cultural familiarity. These overseas products are now widely available in Chinese supermarkets. Similarly, Spanish audiences are accepting Chinese culture, including that of Chongqing.

"Chongqing hotpot is famous, and there are several restaurants in Barcelona," Zhou noted. "Both Chinese and Spanish patrons frequent them, showing an acceptance of Chinese food culture while enjoying the hotpot."

As the live stream ended, Susana expressed her attachment to both Spain and China, as they formed her identity's roots. She hopes that the two countries will deepen their understanding and make progress together.

For Susana, Chongqing is ideal for foreigners, as it maintains its traditional Chinese characteristics while being international.

Given the growing popularity of new energy vehicles in China, she also sees potential for Chongqing's automobile industry. As these cars are still in their infancy in Spain, exporting Chongqing-made cars abroad would present an opportunity for economic and trade cooperation.

In the live stream, guests talked about the cooperation on trade and culture between China and Spain. (Photo/Chen Zhan)