On December 13 morning, central library of Queens Library held the opening ceremony of the the second "China Today" series of cultural activities and China-U.S. Tourism Year 2016 Photographic Exhibition. Qiu Jian, Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York; Dennis Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Library; Wang Yanjie, Director of China National Tourist Office in New York; Leroy Comrie, New York State Senator; Peter Koo, City Council Member, and others attended the event and delivered speeches.

Deputy Consul General Qiu said that the first "China Today" activity was successfully organized with Queens Library last year. The event was positively welcomed by the local community, as it showcased to people of different ethnic backgrounds the contemporary China, further deepening their knowledge of the country. The second "China Today" event will be more enriching, offering Americans a more complete and dynamic view of China. The China-U.S. Tourism Year 2016 Photographic Exhibition showcased in the opening ceremony was inspired by the China-U.S. Tourism Year 2016 and the significance of promoting China-US cultural exchange. It featured remarkable works that show everyone the localities of the two countries, while sending out a message that the friendship of the people from both sides is firm and strong. Not long ago, the governments of both countries have just held a closing ceremony of the China-U.S. Tourism Year 2016 in Washington D.C.. This signifies that the China-US cultural exchange will be further strengthened on its foundation. Qiu hoped that in the near future, the Chinese Consulate General in New York can continue to strengthen the cooperation with Queens Library, serving the local community with more vibrant contents of Chinese culture.  

Mr. Dennis Walcott thanked the Chinese Consulate General in New York for offering such a dynamic, enriching cultural event, which greatly fulfilled the local community's increasing demands in questing more knowledge about China. He said that there is an increasing population in Queens who has great interest in China and Chinese culture. The China-U.S. Tourism Year 2016 Photographic Exhibition not only provided Americans a broad picture of China, it also let many foreigners in the United States learn more about America. Through this exhibition, he hoped that people can find out more about the energetic side of the contemporary China. He also hoped that this event would introduce Chinese culture to Americans and to help promote the friendship of the people from both sides.

Mrs. Wang Yanjie said that the China National Tourist Office is making all efforts to promote the "Silk Road" tourist route, hoping to attract more international tourists who want to explore Chinese history to go visit.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Consul General Qiu, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, presented to Queens Library a donation of books, including Chinese calligraphy, poetry, Beijing opera, culinary, folk arts, etc. Guests at the event also watched short films including "China Today" and "Explore Beautiful China Along the Silk Road", all of which reflect the transformation and the beautiful natural view of the contemporary China.

Since 2015, the Chinese Consulate General in New York has been cooperating with Queens Library and Brooklyn Public Library receptively on hosting the "China Today" series of events. Activities of the events included Chinese books donation, "Modern China" Photographic Exhibition, Chinese local artists in U.S. community, Chinese movies festival, and arts lectures. All of these allowed the local visitors and residents experienced the profound beauty of China. This year, the Chinese Consulate General in New York is to continue cooperating with the two libraries on organizing the second in the "China Today" series of cultural activities. Apart from continuing the events from last year, there will be newly added activities such as calligraphy master class, contemporary Chinese writers forum, Chinese art performances and other activities. All of these will showcase the panoramic view of beautiful, unique China to the local people in New York City. This year's event will last until June 2017.