Students and teachers from the Gioachino Rossini State Conservatory of Music pose for a group photo by West Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: westlake_china]

The sixth Hangzhou West Lake Day and the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties were celebrated amid lotus flowers and summer charm on June 23, as the city welcomed a special delegation from Italy.

The visiting group included artists from the Gioachino Rossini State Conservatory of Music in Pesaro and representatives from Verona's business and cultural sectors. On arrival, they explored the famed West Lake — whose scenic beauty and legendary love stories have connected Hangzhou and Verona since they formed official ties in 2019.

This enduring bond has deepened through exhibitions, mayoral exchanges, and cultural dialogues. In May 2024, a Hangzhou delegation visited Italy to launch the joint exhibition From Ancient to Modern: Cultural Exchanges Between Hangzhou and Verona. That partnership was further solidified in November with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the mayors of both cities during high-level China-Italy talks in Beijing.

During their West Lake visit, the Italian guests boarded the symbolic 1314 Sino-Italian love bus, cruised the lake, and spontaneously performed violin and saxophone pieces inspired by the lake's timeless charm. They also joined locals at the vibrant Hangzhou-Verona art market, featuring five booths by Italian artists.

West Lake Day on June 24 will culminate in a Sino-Italian music gala titled Echoes of West Lake: A Musical Dialogue Between China and Italy, which will be livestreamed on multiple domestic and international platforms.

In addition, locals are invited to join the "World Heritage Guardian" campaign to help protect the scenic site. Participants can receive digital certificates and badges by engaging online or on-site at Hubin Park.

West Lake Day continues to serve as a celebration of friendship, heritage, and cultural exchange — with music, art, and shared appreciation bridging East and West.