Mattarella and his delegation visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

Italian president Sergio Mattarella arrived in Guangzhou on the afternoon of Nov 11, kicking off his first-ever visit to the city. During his stay, he explored the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, embarked on an evening cruise along the Pearl River, and later ascended the Canton Tower to marvel at the city's nighttime panorama. On his first day in Guangzhou, Mattarella extolled the city's ancient and vibrant culture, highlighting its pivotal role as a conduit between the East and the West.

"Despite its huge population, the orderliness of Guangzhou's urban management is truly remarkable," remarked Mattarella.

Perched on the 108th-floor observation deck of the Canton Tower, Mattarella beheld the night spectacle of the City of Rams, immersing himself in the prosperity, allure, and dynamic evolution of this age-old commercial center.

After learning about the history of Zhujiang New Town, Mattarella commended Guangzhou's accomplishments in urban construction and development, saying, "In the 40 years since China's reform and opening-up efforts began, the rapid advancements and profound transformations in Guangdong have left an indelible mark."

On the evening of Nov 11, Mattarella and his delegation attended the original opera Marco Polo at the Guangzhou Opera House. This grand production, featuring a nearly 200-member team, revisited the legendary tale of Marco Polo, commemorating the 700th anniversary of the passing of the renowned Italian traveler and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy. Through this performance, both domestic and international audiences had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history and witness the enduring friendship and cultural exchanges between the ancient civilizations of China and Italy.

The longstanding friendly exchanges between these two ancient civilizations have laid the foundation for East-West interactions. Guangzhou has cultivated sister city relationships with five cities in Italy: Bari, Milan, Genoa, Padua, and Turin, with whom it continues to deepen exchanges and cooperation.

"On the first day of his visit to Guangzhou, Mattarella offered high praise for this millennium-old cultural city, recognizing its remarkable role as a bridge for East-West exchanges. He commended Guangzhou for its preservation of cultural traditions while remaining at the vanguard of openness, skillfully integrating external elements with local culture," remarked Mattarella.