Dancers perform at the opening of the China-Brunei Year of Tourism 2020 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Jan 17, 2020. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Statistics show that China is one of Brunei's largest tourist sources. Brunei received over 65,600 Chinese tourists in 2018, up more than 20 percent compared to 2017.

Haji Ali, Brunei's minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, said he believes that the scale of tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations will further expand with the diversified events across the year.

The opening was highlighted by performances organized by China Arts and Entertainment Group. It featured artists from both countries performing classical folk tunes and dances.

The China-Brunei Year of Tourism 2020 is sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Brunei's Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, and the Chinese embassy in Brunei.