Huzhou holds a launch ceremony for an English-language news portal on Oct 21. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The launch ceremony for a new English-language news portal for Huzhou (http://regional.chinadaily.com.cn/huzhou/) was held in the city, located in northern Zhejiang province, on Oct 21.

Backed by the publicity department of Huzhou municipal Party committee and China Daily, the portal will help connect the city with an international audience, keeping visitors informed on the latest local news, as well as presenting them with eye-catching scenery and cultural events.

Huzhou, which literally means "the city of the lake", referring to the adjacent Taihu Lake, boasts outstanding scenery, abundant natural resources, a rich history and culture, and a vibrant economy.

It is the cradle of the well-known "Two Mountains" theory, in which clear waters and lush mountains are thought to be invaluable assets, comparable to the gold and silver mountains of legend.

Kang Bing, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, Fan Qingyu, director of the publicity department of Huzhou municipal Party committee, and Shi Genbao, deputy mayor of Huzhou municipal government, attended the ceremony and delivered speeches.

Fan Qingyu (second from right), director of the publicity department of Huzhou municipal committee of the Party, announces the launch of Huzhou English news portal in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Kang commended Huzhou for what it has achieved under the guidance of the "Two Mountains" theory, expressing the hope that Huzhou and China Daily can work together and explore ways to boost the city's international profile.

With the efforts of both parties, the news portal is expected to become an influential platform promoting Huzhou to the world, Kang concluded.

Fan briefly introduced the city and expressed her thanks to China Daily for promoting the city on behalf of the municipal government and Party committee. She promised Huzhou would work with China Daily to properly promote its achievements to a wider audience.

Shi spoke about the history of the city's international exchanges. He said that Huzhou has hosted many international conferences and competitions and has become better known abroad in recent years.

The newly-launched website, which has a blue color scheme, has six main sections: Media Center, Ecology, Business, Culture & Travel, Services, and About Huzhou. It will serve as an important gateway for foreigners wanting to know more about the city.

China Daily, which was founded in 1981, is a leading Chinese news agency with a growing international audience. It has become the country's most influential English-language comprehensive multimedia outlet and has launched over 200 English-language websites for local governments, institutions and businesses.