Guests exchange views during the "Night of Gulangyu" event on Sept 8 in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo provided by Lin Yuyang/chinafair.org.cn]

The "Night of Gulangyu" event, a signature event 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 engaged in informal conversations in an elegant setting inspired by Song Dynasty (960-1279) aesthetics and traditional Minnan (Southern Fujian) craftsmanship, taking part in 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 expanding globally, 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 traditions 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 and that the discussions offered substantial insights and practical value.

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