The French delegation visited the Wuxi embroidery studio hosted by Zhao Hongyu on Jan 9 and was amazed by its exquisite work. [Photo/thmz.com]

A delegation of the Association of Cultural Encounter Centers (ACCR) in France visited Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu province on Jan 9-10, during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to China.

With a history of 42 years, the ACCR today comprises 22 members in France and a further 22 in Europe and elsewhere (Canada, Brazil, Australia). It aims to promote a contemporary view of heritage and creativity and contribute to the development of innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness within its territories.

The "Smart Wuxi" Creative Industrial Park became one of the first Chinese members of ACCR on Oct 28, 2015. The two sides have carried out various culture exchanges since 2016, including a Sino-French Animation and Film Forum held in China and a New Freehand Water and Ink Exhibition held in France.

The French delegation visited the Liuqing bamboo works studio hosted by Qiao Jinhong on Jan 9. The Liuqing bamboo work is a type of vibrant green bamboo carving and enjoys increasing popularity among locals and tourists alike. [Photo/thmz.com]

Accompanied by the secretary and the Asian advisor of the ACCR, the delegation was led by Yves Dauge, president of the ACCR and a former senator of France.

The delegation first visited the Wuxi Folk Art Museum, in which traditional cultural heritages of Wuxi are exhibited, including Huishan clay figurines, Wuxi embroidery and Liuqing bamboo works. The craftsmen of each traditional cultural heritage also have studios there, attracting the delegation members' interest.

Echoing the French president's words during the state visit, Yves Dauge expressed a willingness to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China on arts and cultural heritages.