A delegation from Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, visited Beijing from May 7 to 8 to further bilateral cooperation in preserving the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and to draw on the capital's extensive experience in hosting international major events.

Led by Zhou Jiangyong, Party secretary of Hangzhou, the delegation was welcomed by Cai Qi, Party secretary of the capital who expressed gratitude for Hangzhou's support for Beijing over the years.

Located at the ends of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the two cities have been closely related since ancient times.

It is hoped that they can work together to protect the Grand Canal and boost their cooperation in hosting major international events by giving full play to Beijing's advantage in scientific and technological talents and the mushrooming digital economy and internet industry of Hangzhou.

The delegation also visited the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Beijing 2022) who briefed them on the preparatory and construction works of the Games.

"I hope Beijing can provide support and guidance for the preparations for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 on venue construction, event organization, competition services, market development, and international cooperation, so as to help Hangzhou present a splendid Games to the world," said Zhou.