With more than 30,000 cherry blossom trees, the forest of Turtle Head Isle has become known as one of the top three destinations for cheery blossom admiring in the world. The whole city has more than 200,000 cherry blossom trees planted in nearly every corner of it.

But in Stein's view, Wuxi has perhaps the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the world. "Many places have cherry blossoms, but only Wuxi has the night cherry blossom view, which makes its cherry blossom festival special and unique," said Stein.

Visitors take photos of the cherry blossom trees decorated by colorful lights on the night of March 26 in the Turtle Head Isle of Wuxi. [Photo by Wu Yeyun/chinadaily.com.cn]

Eyal Propper, Consul General of Israel in Shanghai, believed that the festival provides "one of the biggest opportunities for cooperation between Israel and Wuxi", and hoped that both sides will conduct more mutual visits to strengthen cultural and business cooperation.

Kenneth Jarrett, former consul general of the United States in Shanghai, expanded on the topic by comparing innovation with the cherry blossom as he believes both need a good environment to develop, and made a few suggestions for Wuxi to boost its innovation, such as enhancing its living environment and encouraging the local government to strengthen ties with companies.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the signing of 36 projects between companies, schools and civic societies in Wuxi and several foreign countries, covering economy and trade, education, healthcare and art. Companies, schools and civic societies in Wuxi and several foreign countries sign agreements at the opening ceremony. [Photo by Wu Yeyun/chinadaily.com.cn]