Foreign ambassadors attend international cultural salon in Beijing

On April 30, an international cultural salon was held at the International Bookstore in Beijing to launch the ambassadors' reading club initiative by China International Communications Group (CICG). Held as part of the 2026 national reading week celebrations, the event brought together representatives from the embassies of 11 Spanish-speaking countries in China, as well as the Cervantes Institute in Beijing.

Guests pose for a group photo at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers remarks at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

In his remarks, Yu Tao, vice president of CICG, said that, as a comprehensive international communication organization dedicated to presenting China to the world, CICG has long been committed to advancing exchanges and mutual learning among Chinese and other civilizations. The event, centered on the theme of public reading, promoted international cultural and people-to-people exchanges while providing a platform for publishing cooperation and cultural dialogue. He expressed hope that the event would further deepen cooperation between China and Spanish-speaking countries in cultural communication and related fields, and help establish the ambassadors' reading club as a regular program at the International Bookstore.

Alfredo Ortuño Victory, ambassador of Costa Rica to China, delivers remarks at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Speaking on behalf of the guests, Alfredo Ortuño Victory, ambassador of Costa Rica to China, said that reading brings understanding and understanding gives rise to respect. Describing Ibero-American literature as an unforgettable chorus of voices, he noted that the works of literary masters from various countries now stand side by side on the shelves of the International Bookstore, creating a public reading space that opens windows to cultures, emotions, and ideas of different nations. Reading always brings people together, the ambassador said, as he encouraged the public to visit the bookstore and experience the literary classics and cultural charm of different countries through the pages.

Guests cut the ribbon at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

At the bookstore, dedicated bookshelves were set up for the 11 embassies and the Cervantes Institute, featuring classic literary works, historical publications, art albums, and cultural and creative products from participating countries. These displays offered a vivid presentation of the cultural landscapes and artistic heritage of Spanish-speaking nations. During the event, guests jointly unveiled the shelves and cut the ribbon, officially launching the international cultural salon.

Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks with foreign guests at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Xie Gang (L), vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks with foreign guests at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

A special display area for books on Chinese culture and literature also drew the attention of both Chinese and international guests. In addition, during the intangible cultural heritage experience session, cultural inheritors showcased traditional crafts such as Nuo Opera masks, Pankou knot buttons, and fabric art. Guests took part in hands-on activities, gaining a firsthand experience of the charm of China's intangible cultural heritage.

Dedicated bookshelves for embassies of Spanish-speaking countries in China and the Cervantes Institute are pictured at an international cultural salon in Beijing, April 30, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Throughout the event, guests exchanged views on national cultures, book publishing, and folk traditions. Some presented classic books from their home countries, introducing the national spirit and humanistic values embodied in them. Others shared customs related to traditional festivals and the historical stories behind them. Some reflected on the Chinese intangible cultural heritage activities and discussed the commonalities between traditional Chinese culture and their own cultures.

The event was hosted by the China International Book Trading Corporation under CICG.