Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the world's most famous structures and a landmark synonymous with the city, was lit up with the colors of the Israeli flag—blue and white—this week.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



The gesture was part of Israel Week currently taking place in Shanghai, marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Far-East juggernaut.

Israel Week, an imitative of the Israeli consulate in Shanghai, began by spotlighting the country in a local festival, considered the biggest in China. As part of the festival, Israeli performers such as Inbal Pinto's dance troupe, violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Yaron Kohlberg and songstress Ester Rada regaled Chinese audiences, with Rada proving the breakout star, as she was hounded by local autograph-seeking fans after her set.

Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower was lit up in Israel's national colors

In addition, the Israeli consulate also took part in creating other cultural events, including Israeli food prepared by chefs from the Dan Hotels chain served to Chinese gourmands, a fair of Israeli products, exhibitions of Israeli photography and art and a multitude of lectures and workshops on Israeli culture and innovation. The various events were attended by more than 50,000 people.

An advertisement produced by the Israeli consulate in Shanghai

The culmination of the festival took place at the Oriental Pearl Tower and included performances by Rada and DJ Aviv Doron. The tower was then lit up in the Israeli national colors with Israel's Ambassador to China Zvi Heifetz, Shanghai Consul General Eyal Propper and local government officials in attendance.

The event garnered widespread coverage from local media. A video promoting the week produced by the Israeli consulate was screened on Shanghai public transportation as well as on 22 huge screens scattered across the city, and was viewed by tens of millions of people.