The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. As the host city, Beijing is fully prepared for the event, especially in such areas as conference-related services, reception, urban management and volunteer services. The city is ready to extend a warm welcome to all participating African guests.
In this golden September, Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center will welcome the African delegations with a brand-new look. During the breaks, foreign guests can boat on Yanqi Lake, take in the stunning views of Yanqi Tower and the beautiful Yanqi Island, and hike on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to feel the grandeur of Chinese culture. They can also partake in activities featuring Beijing's intangible cultural heritage items, such as velvet flowers, silk figurines, and the Lord Rabbit, to learn about the unique local culture.
The China National Convention Center (CNCC) is an important venue for international exchanges. For this summit, CNCC will focus on enhancing the experience of both Chinese and foreign guests through meticulous efforts. For example, guiding robots will be in place to welcome guests, answer their questions, and provide introductions throughout the venue. Tea ceremony and latte art robots will prepare tea and coffee in the public areas. Guests will also have the opportunity to get to know Chinese seals, learn traditional Chinese brush-writing techniques, and leave messages with traditional Chinese brushes for the summit in the feedback area.
Many details inside and outside the venue highlight a commitment to environmental protection, low carbon emissions, and practicality, which are the philosophies upheld by the summit's organizers. LED lights and other types of energy-saving equipment have been installed, and all temporary structures are built of recyclable materials. As for decoration, frame structures like landscape spots and three-dimensional flower beds have all been reconstructed from existing materials.
Additionally, Beijing has selected 53 hotels to offer high-quality accommodation along with catering and transportation services. These hotels are equipped with multifunctional POS machines for payments with foreign bank cards, as well as mobile payments and low-denomination banknotes and coins for change, to ensure a seamless payment experience for every foreign guest.
Journalists can access services at the service desk at the press center for the summit, including consultation, making reservations and appointments, material distribution, and equipment borrowing. These services are available in languages including Chinese, English and French. During the summit, 700 volunteers will be on hand to assist with 69 different services including consultation and guidance, translation and interpreting and introduction. There will also be extra volunteers on Beijing's streets to help ensure a smooth and successful summit.
It is a great joy to greet friends from afar. Beijing is fully prepared for the summit!
(Source: Beijing Daily App)