The exhibition hall welcomes visitors with the Double Butterflies in Flight art installation. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

On the 8th Hangzhou International Day on Sept 5, the Hangzhou-Verona Exchange Exhibition Hall was opened by the famed West Lake in Hangzhou  — capital of East China's Zhejiang province — marking a new milestone in ties between the two "cities of love".

Covering 1,000 square meters, the center was jointly initiated by Hangzhou and the medieval city of Verona in Italy following an agreement signed in 2024 under the witness of the two heads of state of their respective countries.

Its location near the Wansong Academy, linked to The Butterfly Lovers legend, reflects the cultural resonance of West Lake and Verona's World Heritage sites.

The pavilion features five themed sections, weaving together history, heritage and romance.

Visitors to it will encounter evocative installations such as Double Butterflies in Flight and West Lake Ten Scenes alongside immersive exhibits combining Chinese and Roman architectural motifs, music from The Butterfly Lovers and Romeo and Juliet and displays of cultural exchanges since 2019.

A creative zone displays heritage crafts and products from both cities, including Verona wine and Juliet-themed perfume.

As a new hub for international cultural exchanges, the center highlights shared heritage and friendship while offering a window into future cooperation. It's open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily, closed on Tuesdays, except on public holidays.

Prospero Intorcetta (1625-96) is known to Chinese as Yin Duoze. He was an Italian Jesuit missionary active in China during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]