Ningbo's cultural heritage items attract a large number of visitors to the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka on July 14, 2025. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo in Zhejiang province will stage events from Oct 24 to 27 to mark the 10th anniversary of its selection as a "Culture City of East Asia", according to the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.

The celebration will feature cultural exchange, symphonic collaboration, and youth engagement. Activities will include performances, exhibitions, and forums highlighting cultural resonance between Ningbo and other East Asian cities.

The Culture City of East Asia program was launched in 2012 as a joint initiative by China, Japan, and South Korea, serving as a key platform for cultural cooperation and exchange. In September 2015, Ningbo, together with Nara in Japan and Jeju in South Korea, was named one of the 2016 Culture Cities of East Asia.

The program recognizes cities with rich cultural heritage, distinctive artistic identity, and shared East Asian values, while promoting regional understanding and cross-cultural collaboration.

In July, Ningbo held a series of cultural exhibitions and promotional events in Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul under the theme of Ningbo Day at Expo 2025 Osaka. The city's historical ties with Japan and South Korea impressed visitors through intangible heritage and creative designs.

On Oct 24, young participants from China, Japan, and South Korea will gather in Ningbo for dance experiences, cultural performances, and interactive exchanges, continuing the story of East Asian friendship and mutual learning.