Idyllic village becomes bridge for Sino-Dutch exchanges

THE HAGUE — Giethoorn, a picturesque village in the northwest of the Netherlands, is often described as a living postcard. With its wooden bridges connecting charming thatched-roof houses, restaurants, hotels and campsites, the village radiates serene beauty.

Once a destination primarily for European tourists, Giethoorn has recently seen a surge in popularity among visitors from China.

"I've lost count of how many times I've visited Giethoorn," Zhu Xi, a Chinese agricultural scholar currently working in the Netherlands, said. Zhu first visited the village years ago while studying in the Netherlands and was immediately captivated by its tranquil, idyllic scenery. The village's charm continues to draw her back time and again.