The opening ceremony of the "Franco-Chinese Month of the Environment" in South China was held at an art hub called the Shuter Life in Guangzhou's Haizhu Wetland Park on October 14. The event is dedicated to strengthening China-France mutual goals in the field of environmental protection.
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and the Paris Olympic Games. Benjamin MARTINEZ, Deputy Consul General of France in Guangzhou, told GDToday reporter that the form and content of this year's event has been further enriched. Over the course of months, nearly 100 cultural activities covering diverse fields such as forum discussions, art exhibitions, documentary screenings, as well as DIY workshops will be presented in Haizhu Wetland Park, South China National Botanical Garden, Guangdong Science Center and other places.
The programme of the 2023 Franco-Chinese Month of Environment in South China (Photo provided to GDToday)
During the ceremony, a bicycle equipped with solar panels was displayed on the outdoor lawn, attracting a lot of tourists' attention. Florian, creator of the solar bicycle and founder of the Sun Trip, shared his story with GDToday.
Florian (right) poses with a Chinese cycling enthusiast (left) in front of the solar bicycle.
Riders of the Sino-French Sun Trip bicycle rally in 2018.
In the summer of 2018, a two-month Sino-French Sun Trip bicycle rally was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Guangzhou and Lyon. Forty riders from all over the world set off from Lyon, crossed more than 10 countries along the Silk Road and rode 12,000 kilometers to Guangzhou.
"This competition is expected to restart next year, and we are actively discussing with relevant departments," Florian said. In November, he plans to organize 5 to 10 Chinese cyclists from the Huadu District of Guangzhou, all the way north to Shaoguan City. Florian also plans to take his wife on the trip, cycling with Chinese riders through valleys and canyons and admiring the natural scenery along the way.
"We hope to expand the project in the coming years to attract more European cycling enthusiasts to visit China and enjoy the beautiful countryside without noise and pollution on solar bikes," Florian expected.
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