Beijing - A thousand guests attended the Republic Day celebrations at the Italian Embassy in Beijing. Numerous local authorities were present, including the Chinese government's special representative for European Affairs, Wu Hongbo, Italian and Chinese entrepreneurs, representatives of the diplomatic community in Beijing and the media, as well as many Italian nationals residing in China. On the subject of bilateral relations, Ambassador Massimo Ambrosetti noted that 2024 holds special significance, with celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Italy-China global strategic partnership and the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, whose life and work "The Travels of Marco Polo" remain an extraordinary example of how different peoples and cultures can dialogue and learn from each other. The ambassador expressed confidence that the Italian community in China "can make an important contribution to this renewed positivity and dynamism in the bilateral relationship" between the two countries. The evening was enriched by various cultural activities, including a live music performance by Italian and Chinese musicians and the Ansa exhibition "The Places of Marco Polo Today", retracing the most significant stages of the famous journey made by the Venetian traveler and merchant. Among the evening's cultural initiatives was also a space dedicated to the exhibition "Journey of Knowledge: 'The Travels of Marco Polo' and Its Legacy between East and West" – which will be inaugurated at the end of July at the World Art Museum in Beijing – allowing guests to immerse themselves in a 14th-century Venice through VR headsets. (9colonne)