Ambassador Mihelin participated in the opening of the event "Close in Spirit - 45 Years of Friendship between Shanghai and Zagreb"

Shanghai, 19 September 2025. The Croatian National Tourist Board and the Zagreb City Tourist Board organized a ceremony to celebrate the 45th anniversary of friendship between Zagreb and Shanghai. This special event, entitled "Close in Spirit - 45 Years of Friendship between Shanghai and Zagreb", was held at the Shanghai History Museum with the support of the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Culture and Tourism. The event was enriched with a special display of interactive exhibits from the Zagreb Museum of Illusions, symbolizing the close relationship between the two cities.
 
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Mihelin highlighted the close and friendly relations between the Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of China, which are also strengthened by the cooperation between the cities of the two countries, such as that between Zagreb and Shanghai, established already in 1980. He also highlighted the Croatian features that attract so many tourists from all over the world, from heritage, national parks and enogastronomic offer, to lifestyle and sports. He particularly emphasized that there is a strong return to the previous numbers of Chinese visitors, which were already almost half a million before the pandemic, inviting those present to visit Croatia soon and experience the emotion it offers, connecting it with the exposed licitar heart as a recognizable symbol of Zagreb and the heart-shaped island of Galešnjak.
 
The ceremony was also attended by the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić, the Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board Martina Bienenfeld, the Deputy Director General of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism Jin Lei, the Director of the Shanghai Museum of History Zhou Qunhua, the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Representative Office in China Franka Gulin, and numerous guests from the world of the tourism industry, culture and media.
 
An installation of two overlapping hearts, inspired by licitar, the gingerbread as a symbol of unity and friendship, was placed in front of the Shanghai Museum of History. The indoor exhibition space presents exhibits that explore the theme of perspective, connection and cultural dialogue between Croatia and China. The exhibition will remain open until October 9, 2025.

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