Early Thursday, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen landed in Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic ties. While leaders set the agenda in the capital, CGTN stringers hit the streets of Lyon to gauge public sentiment.
Across this vibrant French city, a surprising trend is bridging East and West: Chinese TV dramas. From historical epics to modern romances, Lyon residents are tuning in, sparking conversations about culture and collaboration.
âIâm studying tourism, and Iâve always loved how people connect through stories,â says Camille, a local student. âWatching Chinese dramas opened a window into daily life, traditions, even food culture. Itâs inspired me to explore China beyond the screen.â
Camille highlights a growing curiosity: she feels the warmth and enthusiasm of Chinese people for French art, fashion, and cinemaâreciprocal to her own fascination with Chinese storytelling. As the summit unfolds, fans like her envision future exchanges that go beyond politics:
- Joint film and TV productions
- Student and tourism exchanges
- Cultural festivals across cities
These grassroots connections remind us that diplomacy isnât just signed agreementsâitâs shared experiences that build trust. As EU and China leaders celebrate five decades of partnership, the real power lies in cultural bridges, one episode at a time.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
