Themed "Mutual Learning among Civilizations for Common Prosperity - Protection and Utilization of World Cultural Heritage", the 2023 Beijing International Media Forum opened on the morning of October 14, with the Joint Initiative of the Beijing International Media Forum released. More than 100 international media executives and representatives of media outlets from over 60 Belt and Road partner countries including Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Türkiye attended this forum.
More than 100 foreign journalists visited the Temple of Heaven, a World Cultural Heritage site.
Journalists from the delegation of international media outlets enjoyed the artistic charms of the classic Kunqu Opera.
From October 12 to 13, more than 100 Chinese and foreign journalists visited the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in Beijing, such as the Summer Palace, the Grand Canal, and the Temple of Heaven. Besides, they appreciated the Kunqu Opera, an item of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, to deepen their understanding of Beijing's achievements in the conservation and utilization of world cultural heritage.
Jemima Beukes, a journalist of Namibia Media Professionals Union on her first trip to China, expressed excitement about the journey. She commented: "Many ancient buildings in Beijing are juxtaposed with skyscrapers, but they don't look out of place. Ancient buildings are well preserved and have been adapted well to modern society. This is something I like about Beijing."
"Greenery" made a profound impression on many foreign journalists during this trip around Beijing. Guy Mettan is a Swiss journalist who first visited China 20 years ago and has visited more than 10 times since then. He observed significant differences in Beijing compared with 20 years ago. According to him, Beijing is now almost green everywhere and places a strong emphasis on the conservation of cultural heritage, marking great progress.
In Beijing, Sarita Timsina Pageni, a Nepalese journalist realized the importance of a "family-like environment" for a country's development. "As journalists, we should advocate for peaceful development. When our countries understand each other like family members, peace will be established, and development and prosperity will follow suit."
(Source: Beijing Daily)