Ready to dive into some cultural vibes? 😎 On Monday afternoon, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, rolled out the red carpet for the spouses of SCO leaders along Tianjin’s scenic Haihe River. This fun-filled hangout was part of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and doubled as a showcase of China’s rich traditions and modern flair.
As guests stepped off the boat, they were greeted with warm handshakes and flashing cameras for a group selfie moment. 🎥 Local kids waved Chinese and SCO flags, belting out "Waiting for You in Tianjin"—a song that felt like the perfect mix of old-school melody and fresh festival energy.
The river cruise served up postcard-worthy views of Tianjin’s skyline. From colonial-era architecture to sleek new bridges, Peng highlighted how the Haihe River has been at the heart of the city’s story—where history meets innovation. Think heritage streets next to buzzing tech hubs (hello, Tianjin’s growing startup scene!).
Cultural deep dive alert: guests sipped fragrant tea while a sanxian ensemble—playing a traditional three-stringed instrument—set a chill soundtrack. ☕🎶 It was like stepping into a living museum, but way more Insta-ready.
The guest list read like a global roll call: spouses of the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, alongside representatives from Armenia, Nepal, Egypt, Malaysia and Iran. They all gave a thumbs-up to China’s blend of tradition and modern progress, praising how cultural exchanges can spark real friendships.
On the sidelines, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative, calling for countries to team up for a fairer world stage. 🌍 The message? Mutual respect, open dialogue and win-win cooperation can build a peaceful future—one river cruise at a time.
Reference(s):
Peng Liyuan hosts spouses of SCO leaders, showcases Chinese culture
cgtn.com
