A video mapping work about China is projected on the facade of Gellert Hotel to celebrate the China-EU 2018 Tourism Year in Budapest, Hungary, March 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi)

BUDAPEST, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The Gellert Hotel, one of Hungary's most famous hotels, got painted by lights in the colors of China and the European Union here on Saturday evening to celebrate the EU-China 2018 Tourism Year.

The light show was part of a ceremony co-sponsored by China's Tourism Office in Budapest and the department of international tourism relations of Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The event also featured lion and dragon dances and Chinese tea making.

"The Chinese are fond of the Chinese red, which covers the building," China's Ambassador to Hungary Duan Jielong said at the event. "The red color not only represents the culture of China, but also symbolizes the eagerness of Chinese people to develop their country, in unity and it also stands for the harmony and the momentum of our people, as well as the joy of our festivities," he added.

Hailing the EU-China 2018 Tourism Year, Duan said that tourism is not only an important bridge for promoting people-to-people friendship, but also a new industry that drives economic growth. He expressed China's willingness to continuously strengthen tourism cooperation with Hungary.

Addressing the event, Emese Boros, Ministerial Commissioner for International Tourism Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary said Hungary obtained a special role in Europe regarding the presence of Chinese tourism, as the permanent regional tourism representation of China -- dealing with the 16 Central and Eastern European countries -- has been based in Budapest since 2016.

"The objective of the EU-China 2018 Tourism Year is also to learn one another's culture, gastronomy and landscapes," she said.