Foreign people in Yiwu recite the famous Chinese poem "Spring Dawn" at the cultural activity in the city on Dec 21. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A cultural activity featuring exchanges of Chinese and foreign civilizations was held in Yiwu, Zhejiang province on Dec 21.

With the attendance of some 50 foreigners from countries like Iran, Yemen and Russia, the event aimed to provide a platform for them to express their understanding of Chinese culture and to facilitate the friendly exchanges of different cultures.

People who run businesses in Yiwu and overseas students studying at local colleges gave a performance of the poem recital "Spring Dawn" (A Spring Morning) written by Meng Haoran (689-740) in Tang Dynasty.

Besides, there was an awarding ceremony for active foreign participants in the various cultural events in Yiwu. 10 business people were named "communication envoys" and six teachers from Yiwu Industrial and Commercial College were commended for their good guidance to cultural exchanges.

Yiwu, the world's largest wholesale market for small consumer goods, has organized a variety of activities this year to promote traditional Chinese festivals and customs and attracted thousands of international people who are working, studying or living in the city. It is considered a major approach by the local government to rejuvenate Chinese culture and better present it to the outside world.

Zhou Lishui, director of Yiwu's publicity department pledged that in the New Year, they will continue the efforts to increase the cultural confidence by holding characteristic cultural events.