Pretoria, (People's Daily Online) — With the backdrop of flaming lanterns and Chinese knots, a grand Open Day jointly held by the Chinese Embassy to South Africa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of S.A. was getting under way in the Embassy last Friday, to celebrate S.A.’s 20 years of freedom and democracy.

This is also the Embassy’s "Open Day" for DIRCO’s diplomats and sponsors. Among more than 30 people who attended the occasion were S.A. Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers, Director General Ambassador Jerry Matjila.

With Ambassador Tian Xuejun reporting his work in Beijing, Charge D’Affaires ad interim Yang Yirui participated in this activity with the division chiefs of the Embassy. ??

The event was featured with rich Chinese elements. A show of Chinese calligraphy, Tai Chi (traditional Chinese shadow boxing), Gu Zheng (a Chinese style zeither), and tea ceremony were performed for the guests. One local student from Pretoria Chinese School performed Chinese traditional fan dance.

As the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is around the corner, the guests also had a taste of traditional moon-cakes and typical Chinese breakfast.

This is the first time for DIRCO to hold such an event with an embassy in South Africa.