The 2025 Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Festival and the 38th Anniversary of the Construction of the Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest kicked off on Wednesday, highlighting Wuxi's international connections and its role as a hub for cultural exchange.

The event, which originated in the 1980s from citizen-level exchanges between China and Japan, centers on the planting of cherry blossom trees. In 1988, Chinese and Japanese citizens planted 1,500 cherry blossom seedlings at the Yuantouzhu scenic area, marking the beginning of the "cherry blossom friendship" between Wuxi and Japan.

Today, the scenic area boasts over 30,000 cherry blossom trees across 650,000 square meters. Since 2014, Wuxi has used the annual cherry blossom planting activity as a platform for international cooperation and local exchanges.

More than 3 million visitors are expected to visit Wuxi during the event, solidifying the city's status as one of the world's top three cherry blossom viewing destinations, alongside Tokyo and Washington.

Sun Wei, deputy mayor of Wuxi, emphasized the significance of the Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest as a symbol of the 38-year-long exchange between the two nations.

"With over 30,000 cherry blossom trees flourishing, the forest has become a unique symbol of Wuxi, set against the backdrop of the stunning Taihu Lake," he said.

Japan's Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi highlighted efforts to revitalize exchanges between the two nations.

"The renowned Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest in Wuxi is a valuable achievement driven by the unremitting efforts of Japanese and Chinese civilians to promote exchanges between the two countries," he said.

He expressed gratitude to those involved in the endeavor and pledged to maintain a positive relationship between Japan and China.

Yutaka Shibata, president of the Japan-China Sakura Friendship Forest Preservation Association, praised Wuxi's cherry blossoms for attracting global visitors.

"With prayers for peace, people smile and admire the cherry blossoms, demonstrating the continuous expansion of world peace," he said.

He added that the association will continue to protect the cherry blossom forest, which symbolizes the wishes of past generations.

Wuxi has expanded its international engagement in recent years, strengthening its internationalization and economic openness. The city has established economic ties with over 220 countries and regions, and 118 Fortune Global 500 companies have invested there. Last year, its total foreign trade exceeded 770 billion yuan ($106 billion).

Deputy Mayor Sun said the Wuxi government aims to improve the business environment for foreign nationals working, living, investing and developing in the city. The city plans to enhance industrial cooperation, explore complementary advantages and expand cultural exchanges to deepen friendly city relationships and promote mutual cultural learning.