With the sound of drums in the air, a traditional dragon dance, a sight seen more and more often in Brazil. But this time, celebrating the inauguration of Rio de Janeiro’s first Chinese Park, a small but symbolic space located in the heart of the city.

There were also demonstrations of different styles of Kung Fu. The event, that took place on Saturday,  also aimed to mark this year’s 45^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China.

CGTN’s Lucrecia Franco reports. 

“It is not only a beautiful space; it is another step in the partnership between Brazil and China that has everything needed to continue growing. Brazil is the world’s farm, an agricultural powerhouse, and China is the world’s largest industrial producer, so we have a perfectly complimentary relationship,” said Rio’s Mayor, Marcelo Crivella.

The 5,000 square- meter park occupies a space on both sides of one of Rio’s main avenues and it includes elements of China’s ancient architecture.

Built at no cost to the city of the space was entirely financed and will be maintained by Rio’s Chinese Cultural Association, which will also be responsible for security in the area.

“There are more than 200,000 Chinese people living in Brazil, some were born in China others in Brazil. Everyone helped to build what we hope will become a tourist attraction,” said Youyi Yi, one of the directors of the Association.

The initiative falls under the umbrella of a city hall program called Adopt Rio that aims to encourage local businesses and community groups to get involved in the preservation of green and leisure spaces. But it in this case the idea is to make Brazilians more aware about China, the country’s biggest trading partner.

Both the Chinese community and city officials say the park will enhance cultural diversity and understanding. They also are hoping it will be a stepping stone to the establishment of Brazil’s first China Town.