Inspired by each other: The China-Europe story since reform and opening-up

Two-way benefits

Railways are one of the best examples of the mutual benefits. The China-Europe rail network links 43 Chinese cities with 41 European ones in 13 countries and in the first three months this year, the number of freight train trips went up 75 percent, compared with the same period last year, according to China Railway Corporation.

This year, a train traveled over 9,800 km from China's southwestern Chengdu city to Vienna in April. It was hailed by Austria's Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs Margarete Schrambock, who said Austria is looking forward to sending its goods to China via the train network.

Cyprus is another beneficiary of the opening up. Dinos Florides, president of the Cypro-Chinese Friendship Association, cites the examples of Chinese investment in Cypriot airline Cobalt Air and Chinese telecom giant Huawei providing equipment and services to telecom companies in Cyprus.

Last year, China's trade with the EU reached $616.9 billion, up 12.7 percent year on year, a testimony to the deepening ties.