As China expands its visa policies to attract foreign visitors and foster people-to-people exchanges, a Chinese culture festival kicked off in Washington on Saturday, providing an opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and connect with the local community.

"The Chinese culture is deep in the heart of every Chinese, and we are glad to see it attracting more and more American friends with its inspiration and charm," Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the United States, said at the opening ceremony of the event.

"What belongs to a nation also belongs to the world. Culture is a bond of heart and emotion, transcending time and space. It connects China with the rest of the world."

The 22nd Washington Chinese Culture Festival is now an annual event, a "friendship rendezvous" between the Chinese and US people, Xie said. Without the need to travel afar, US friends can have a taste of Chinese culture and its cuisine, he said.

"For kids, a must do is, of course, taking a picture with the giant panda mascot. On my way here, I met several American friends who traveled from various states for this festival. I could see their curiosity about Chinese culture, its history and profoundness."

Regarding Chinese pop culture, Xie highlighted a Chinese AAA game that has gained widespread popularity, Black Myth: Wukong, based on the classic novel Journey to the West.

The game's success is attributed to three key elements: the appealing character of Wukong, the timeless charm of Chinese culture and the "universal human desire for communication, cooperation and mutual learning", he said.

Xie said he noticed that many players are drawn to the Chinese version for its "authentic voice acting", and some are even inspired to explore the original novel or visit locations featured in the game.

"After a journey to the West in the video game, why not take a journey to the East through travel in China? With open arms, China welcomes friends from across the world," he said, emphasizing a new rule that allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, to have a 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit.

US President Joe Biden sent a letter to the event and said "events like these represent America at its best".

"By encouraging us to reflect on the ways our country's character has been shaped by the Chinese American community, you remind us of the importance of honoring and celebrating our roots no matter where they are," Biden said in his letter.

The festival came on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council, said that since the establishment of ties, "we have experienced peace and prosperity throughout all of Asia".

"Perhaps most importantly, effective ties and constant diplomacy have led to an unprecedented half-century of peace in the Asia-Pacific region, and this is not something we should take for granted," he said.