Belgian businessman helps foster China-Europe friendship through Chinese garden

Belgian entrepreneur Eric Domb has sought to share his great affection for Chinese culture by developing a Chinese-themed garden at his zoo in Belgium's Wollonia region, with the passionate businessman and cultural connoisseur playing his part in deepening friendships between his home country and China.

Domb founded the Pairi Daiza zoo and botanical gardens in Brugelette back in the early 1990s, and after developing an interest in Chinese culture, he started to build the Chinese garden at the popular park in 2005. Named "Zhong Guo Meng" or "Chinese Dream", it has become the largest Chinese garden in Europe.

The zoo has previously hosted distinguished visitors with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan attended the opening ceremony of the giant panda hall at the zoo during their visit to Belgium in March 2014.

Back in June this year, Domb wrote to Xi, saying that the Chinese garden epitomizes the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and that the Chinese Dream as well as China's development and prosperity will always be opportunities that could be shared by the rest of the world.

"I built this park 30 years ago and one of the projects I was the happiest to create was the Chinese garden. Of course, I remember every single moment of the visit of President Xi and the First Lady," said Domb.

Not long after sending his letter, Domb received a reply from Xi via the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. In his letter, Xi said he fondly recalled the 2014 visit when he and Belgian King Philippe, along with their spouses, attended the opening of the panda hall at the zoo.

Dong said the authentic Chinese garden is a reflection of his passion and love for Chinese civilization and for the many great cultural creations China has bestowed upon the world.

"I think that my love for the Chinese culture comes from my roots. Literature, the paintings, the wonderful nature of this country, and the most incredible inventions -- paper, printing, and don't forget silk, the tea -- it all started in China, which brought light to the world," said Domb.

"What I really love in the Chinese culture is Yin and Yang, that in every situation you have opposition forces which have to [be] put in balance. I find it fantastic. I think that the best way to express my love for China was to create a real, a true classical Chinese garden," he said.

The Chinese garden is full of distinctive Chinese elements, with roofs featuring the traditional mortise and tenon structure, while Domb has even brought in a specific type of limestone from the shores of China's Taihu Lake to form a special water feature, taking inspiration from the classic Chinese literary work "Journey to the West."

"The real name of our garden is 'Dream of China.' And of course, you know, when I decided to build this garden, my first dream was to share with Belgians and Europeans my attraction for China through this garden," he said.

Domb recalled his warm and friendly meeting with Xi, and said he was impressed by Xi’s knowledge of the classical garden. He noted that a magnolia tree which was jointly planted by the Chinese President and Belgian King Philippe during that memorable visit is now flourishing.

"He smiled when he saw 'China Dream,' on the gate because I think that the Chinese Dream has a very specific meaning for President Xi. And then, of course, there was a beautiful moment when President Xi and our king planted a magnolia tree, which is becoming more beautiful every year. Probably now seeing this beautiful magnolia in flora pushed me to take the courage to write your president a letter, reminding of the beautiful moment we could spend with him," he said.

Domb admits to being surprised by how quickly Xi replied to his letter, in which he encouraged him to push for stronger China-Belgium and China-Europe friendships.

"I think it's the importance which is given to friendship in bringing people all over the world closer to each other and especially people from Belgium towards people from China, people from Europe with the people of China. Friendship can solve all problems, and friendship means knowing," he said.

Domb's love for China has seen him making more than two dozen trips to the country over the years, allowing him to gain a deep understanding through his extensive travels in the country. He has also learned about a number of key developments, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which looks to revitalize trade and connectivity along the ancient Silk Road .

"I think that I went between 25 and 30 times to China. I went to the Li [jiang] River, to Guilin. I love the Yunnan and the Sichuan provinces. A few years ago I was invited to a congress about the BRI projects, which is one of the most important projects of President Xi. I was very curious, of course, because I remember how the Silk Road changed the world in the middle ages or even before, it was [during the time of] Han Wudi (Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty(206 BC to 221)), it was an incredible story," said Domb.

"And it's true, connecting people creates happiness and welfare. It's more than ambitious, but it is the right thing to do. So, of course, it will change the world. I think it's high time that we in Europe turn our heads towards the east," he said.

The Chinese garden at the zoo has attracted numerous enthusiasts of Chinese culture and has helped to spread knowledge by offering many themed activities and experiences to students and to visitors of all ages .

Domb spoke of his enduring fascination with China and its long history and says he sees it as a land of opportunity for the future.

"China, for me, is the eternal morning. China symbolizes the East. This is just amazing when you're really interested in Chinese culture, you found very ancient knowledge added to more recent knowledge, to make what China is in East today. Every time I think of China, I think of the sun rising in the sky, new projects, new friendships, new enthusiasm to develop," said Domb.