France Celebrates National Day

Consul General of France in Guangzhou, Jean-Raphael Peytregnet

July 14th marks the French National Day. On that day in 1789, people in Paris stormed the Bastille fortress-prison, today symbolizing the up rise of the modern nation. This year, the French Consulate General in Guangzhou held a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel attended by the Guangdong Vice-Governor, Xiao Zhiheng, and Guangzhou Vice-Mayor, Gong Erzhen.

French photographer Vincent Assante Di Cupillo and his artworks

The French national anthem opened the evening in a formal manner before Mr. Jean-Raphael Peytregnet, the Consul General of France in Guangzhou, spoke of the French presence in south China and the cooperation they seek with China. According to Peytregnet, the number of French citizens registered in South China has surpassed 2,300, up 15% in 2009. Cultural exchanges have increased, in particular with The Festival Croisements 2010, one of annual global cultural events which was extended to the city of Xiamen in Fujian province.

On a more serious note, Mr. Xiao Zhiheng, the Guangdong Vice-Governor pointed out that exports and imports between Guangdong and France reached 3.93 billion USD from January to May. The two countries have a vast potential for collaborations in nuclear energy, aviation, transport, environmental protection, finance, culture and agriculture.

After the formal celebration, the annual beach party took place as usual at Dongfang Hotel, organized by the French Chamber of Commerce & Industry in south China and gathering nearly 1,000 people.

 

Passionate salsa dancers



French woman demonstrates self defense technics based on Kong Fu



Kong Fu performance



Kong Fu performance



Cheerful crowd in the swimming pool



A man pushed into the swimming pool

(By Jessie Huang, Shanna Chu and David Keyton, photographed by Reno Liang)