On February 23, the event titled "China in the Eyes of Diplomats: Celebrate Lantern Festival in Poetic and Picturesque Mentougou", alongside the "One District One Product" initiative for diplomats to China to have an in-depth experience of Beijing, was held in the Tanko commercial area, Mentougou District, Beijing.

Hosted by the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, the Information Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and organized by the Mentougou District People's Government, this event was co-organized by China Radio International and Metro Land Corporation Ltd..

Diplomats from 66 countries including Jordan, Austria, Thailand, and Brazil, as well as representatives and their families from international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank and the European Union, totaling nearly 200 people, delved into Mentougou to join the garden fair for the Lantern Festival. They engaged in a range of activities to explore intangible cultural heritage, enjoy cultural performances, savor distinctive foods, and immerse in an atmosphere where Chinese and foreign cultures blend seamlessly. The event received high praise from participants, highlighting Mentougou's vast potential for integrating cultural and tourism resources and developing creative industries.

Live Performances

The event was rich in festive ambiance with performances like Junzhuang Drum, Taiping Drum, Di Yangge, Xiaochehui Dance, and Dragon Dance. Austrian Ambassador to China H.E. Mr. Andreas Riecken expressed his love for the drums, saying that he was stunned by the rhythm and festive joy perfectly captured by passionate performers. He also mentioned that he would like to take a hike here someday since Mentougou's cozy and familiar environment reminded him of Austria, a mountainous country.

Following the captivating performances, the garden fair for the Lantern Festival officially kicked off. Diplomats and esteemed guests initiated their exploration of Mentougou with a special "passport", embarking on a stamp-collecting journey throughout the event.

Diplomats and their families enjoy traditional Chinese games like pitch pot.

The garden fair showcased antique-themed booths, trendy Chinese-style lantern decorations, an array of products, and mouth-watering snacks, offering a feast for the senses.

Performers of the Hanfu Parade

Event attendees witnessed parade performers adorned in traditional fancy costumes, carrying fish-shaped lanterns listed in intangible cultural heritage through the streets. The "Hanfu Show" saw numerous diplomats and their families donning traditional Chinese attire for photos with excitement.

Diplomats to China make panda-shaped sweet dumplings.

Madagascar Ambassador to China H.E.Mr. Jean Louis Robinson Richard relishes "Chinese Vintage Charm" with his wife.

After visiting the garden fair for the Lantern Festival, diplomats wandered into the Tanko commercial area to delve into traditional Chinese calligraphy and paper-cutting, taste personally crafted panda-shaped sweet dumplings, and appreciate contemporary art exhibitions and Peking Opera performances, immersing themselves in Mentougou's multicultural atmosphere and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Diplomats and their families experience traditional folk crafts.

Group Photo of Participants

Aiming to familiarize diplomats with Beijing and deepen their understanding of the city, since last year, the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, the Information Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality have launched cultural exchange initiatives like "China in the Eyes of Diplomats", "One District One Product", and "Diplomats Experience Beijing", inviting diplomats to have an in-depth experience in each district of Beijing. This Mentougou event marks the first of its kind in the Year of the Dragon, setting the stage for future cultural exchange activities that will introduce diplomats to other districts in Beijing, showcase the essence of fine traditional Chinese culture, and present the capital's development story in the new era to the world.