Authorities from north China's Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region on Friday signed a batch of agreements on interregional cooperation in education and essential industrial projects implementation, taking yet another step forward in coordinated development of the region.
The newly signed agreements cover key fields such as education and high-tech industries, including a framework for promoting coordinated development of education across the region and an agreement of intent on the entry of projects for intelligent connected new energy vehicle development and manufacturing into a series of industrial parks respectively based in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.
Friday also saw the official launch of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Robotics Industry Chain Alliance, an initiative aimed at accelerating the construction of a leading humanoid robot industry cluster in north China.
Launched in 2014, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Coordinated Development Strategy is a major national initiative aimed at integrating the region's economy, upgrading industrial structures, improving the environment, and easing non-capital functions out of Beijing.
Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei signs deals on projects to promote coordinated development
The 16th Beijing International Film Festival unfolded a "water red carpet" along a section of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou District, its sub-venue, on Friday night, when dazzling lights and illuminations brought the ancient waterway vividly to life.
The "water red carpet" stretched 3.3 kilometers on the canal, the world's longest and oldest man-made waterway spanning roughly 1,794 km, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Five tour boats carried guests on the water, and after that they stepped onto a 100-meter red carpet along the waterfront.
Another highlight of the evening was the official premiere and maiden voyage of Journey on the Canal, a large-scale water spectacle performance that is part of activities held by the film festival's Tongzhou sub-venue.
With real scenes of the Grand Canal as the backdrop and stage, spectators from tour boats with panoramic ceilings enjoyed the 55-minute immersive performance that presents the canal's thousand-year history along a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the river.
Designed by renowned artist Han Meilin, the production features artistic installations in combination with advanced technology, including stunning water curtain projections, laser displays and dynamic lighting effects.
Tongzhou District, located in the southeast of Beijing, serves as the sub-center of the Chinese capital. The area is developing into a modern urban hub while preserving its rich Grand Canal heritage.
The festival is running from April 16 to 25.
Beijing film festival unfolds 'water red carpet' on Grand Canal
