PHNOM PENH, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian visitor Ralin Havila was enthralled on Sunday when she saw a Chinese intangible cultural heritage exhibition and watched a vivid Chinese robot dog show.
The 17-year-old high school student said it was the first time she experienced such an amazing event, where people could enjoy diverse cultural activities, including an intangible cultural heritage market, a traditional Chinese attire parade and a traditional musical performance.
"Moreover, I'm quite impressed with the stunning performances by a pair of Chinese robot dogs," she told Xinhua. "I'm lucky to see this unique show by chance while I'm strolling along the riverside."
Havila said the robot dogs are brilliant as they engaged the audience with an array of interactive gestures such as jumping, stretching, shaking hands, cheering and pouncing.
"The robot dogs are adorable as they clap their front legs together in a greeting gesture and drew a heart shape," she said while taking her smartphone to capture the performance.
"I really admire China for its cutting-edge technology and innovation," she said.
Held at the pedestrianized walking street along the riverside Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, the event was hosted by China Intercontinental Press & Media Co., Ltd., and supported by the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
The two-day event, which started on Saturday, has attracted crowds of strollers along the riverside at the weekend.
Kim Srey Pov, a 27-year-old private company employee in Phnom Penh, said she was thrilled to experience Chinese culture, arts, food, and daily life displayed at the event.
"I have tasted a Chinese needle soup, it's really delicious, just a bit spicy, but I like it," she told Xinhua.
Pov believed that the event injected vigorous impetus into Cambodia-China cultural ties and further deepened the bond of friendship between the two countries and peoples.
"This event not only creates a joyful atmosphere for visitors, but also promotes cultural exchange, people-to-people contact, and mutual learning and understanding between Cambodia and China," she said.
Vinh Bun Eang, an assistant to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron, said that Cambodian cultural treasures, such as traditional clothing, exquisite leather carvings, and distinctive cuisine, were displayed alongside Chinese Hanfu, calligraphy, and Chinese cuisine, creating a harmonious and vibrant exchange.
"Today, we gather not only to admire exquisite works of art and spectacular performances, but also to learn together about the history of friendship between our two civilizations," he said at the event on Sunday.
Vinh Bun Eang said Cambodia and China have always been close and reliable friends and that this friendship is deeply rooted in the shared aspirations for peace, the common pursuit of development, and the mutual appreciation of mutual cultures.
He added that educational exchanges and cultural interactions helped strengthen the public opinion foundation of the Cambodia-China community with a shared future.
"The mutual understanding between the people of our two countries, especially the active exchanges among the younger generation, is the best embodiment of the continuation and flourishing of our traditional friendship," he said.
Va Bophary, deputy director general of the General Department of Cultural Techniques at Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said the event not only showcased the unique cultures and civilizations of Cambodia and China, but also reflected the long-standing and strong friendship between the people of both countries.
"Culture is the strongest bridge that has connected the hearts of our two peoples since ancient times," she said at the event.
She added that the event embodied the shared aspirations of both countries to promote mutual learning between civilizations and deepen people-to-people friendship.
"Through this event, the public will be able to experience intangible cultural heritage such as food, youth-to-youth dialogue, and digital technology exhibition that enhance the deep cultural and emotional ties between the two countries," Va Bophary added.
