Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong and his delegation of more than 500 members have arrived in Taipei. The group includes 20 senior officials, scholars and artists. Their five-day visit aims to promote economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation.

The delegation is also scheduled to take part in Taipei's Beijing Culture Week, which runs through March 11th, and other activities.

Anticipation is high at the Taoyuan International Airport. The Beijing Mayor is leading the Chinese mainland's first municipal delegation to the island after the Taiwan region’s election this year.

Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong and his delegation of more than 500 members have arrived in Taipei.?

Guo Jinlong greets Taiwan compatriots and announces the purpose of the trip. Guo Jinlong said, "I'm visiting Taiwan for the first time. It's a trip of cultural exchange and new year greetings. Now it is still lunar January, and I wish everybody a happy New Year of Dragon."

Guo meets KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan. Lien welcomes the delegation, playing on the literal meaning of Guo's given name, Jinlong, Golden Dragon.

Guo says his visit aims to promote the understanding of the island's culture and people, and he hopes to promote the cooperation between the two sides.

The delegation is slated to participate in a series of cultural events, talk with college students, and visit farm produce markets, the well-known Eslite Bookstore and ethnic minority villages.

Taipei is also hosting an exhibition of Beijing's modern and traditional arts and crafts as part of Beijing Culture Week.

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