The "Night of Gulangyu" event, a brand activity of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), was held on Sept 8 on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Hosted by the Xiamen Municipal Government and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the event brought together nearly 100 Chinese and international guests, including representatives from overseas delegations, international organizations, multinational companies, and financial institutions.

Unlike conventional investment promotion events, the gathering featured no fixed seating or PowerPoint presentations. Guests took part in informal conversations in an elegant setting inspired by Song Dynasty (960-1279) aesthetics and traditional Minnan craftsmanship, experiencing tea ceremonies, paper-cutting, and the local Mid-Autumn dice game known as bo bing.

The event offered investors and government representatives an opportunity to exchange views in a relaxed atmosphere. Discussions focused on global investment opportunities, companies going global, and the importance of trust and mutual understanding in building long-term partnerships.

Zhang Yiming, managing director of China International Capital Corp and chair of its Global Equities Business Management Committee, said cultural experiences could help international guests better understand China's cultural foundation and share their expectations more openly.

Ismail Ersahin, executive director and CEO of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), said the event was more than a social gathering, noting that the discussions offered substantial insights and practical value.

Through the event, Xiamen sought to present a more informal and people-centered approach to international investment dialogue, combining cultural exchange with opportunities for business cooperation.