Chinese consulate in New York organizes open house

The gates of diplomacy swung open not for high-level talks or protocol meetings, but for dumplings, dancing and decades-old memories on a warm summer evening in New York.

The Chinese Consulate General opened its doors to locals on Tuesday for its first community open house, offering a chance to connect with neighbors and celebrate cultural exchange. The evening featured Chinese traditional performances, art, photo exhibitions and personal stories — some going back more than 40 years — that together painted a vivid portrait of enduring China-United States friendship.

"As an old Chinese saying goes, 'distant relatives are not as helpful as nearby neighbors'," Chinese Consul General Chen Li said in his opening remarks.