On the afternoon of November 26, the event titled "Tour of Beijing Workers' Stadium for Users of International Web Portal of Beijing" was held at the Beijing Workers' Stadium. Users of the International Web Portal of Beijing and its "BeijingService" WeChat account from over 10 countries, including the United States, Peru, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, gathered to discover Beijing's evolution and the cutting-edge technologies showcased at the stadium. Through detailed explanations and interactive exchanges, the event also helped the participants gain a better understanding of the services and functions of the web portal, greatly helping them better experience this capital city and integrate into life in Beijing.

A group photo of the participating users at the stadium

The Beijing Workers' Stadium, one of the ten major buildings constructed to mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, was rebuilt in 2023 and has since become a new city landmark, functioning as a sports center, a cultural venue, and a commercial complex. 

Lidia Elizabeth Quispe Pacombia, a Peruvian economist, linguist, and blogger, trying out a metaverse-powered program in the GTVerse Center

The participating users trying out a metaverse-powered program in the GTVerse Center

In the GTVerse Center, a metaverse experience area of the stadium, participants put on VR headsets to take part in a virtual penalty shootout against digital recreations of international football stars. They also visited the players' tunnels and explored the spectator stands, VIP boxes, and locker rooms. Guided by staff, they learned about the stadium's history and the stories behind its reconstruction.

Nabeela Kara, a teacher from New Zealand, and her boyfriend Ahmet Tanrikulu posing for a photo at the Beijing Workers' Stadium

Nabeela Kara, a teacher from New Zealand who has lived in Beijing for many years, and her boyfriend Ahmet Tanrikulu are loyal users of both the International Web Portal of Beijing and "BeijingService". Having personally witnessed the stadium's reconstruction, she said that although she had previously come here as a football fan, the tour revealed the high-tech side of the stadium — an experience she found particularly meaningful.

Felix Amiss, an architect from the United Kingdom, during an interview

Felix Amiss, an architect from the United Kingdom, praised the stadium's reconstruction from a professional standpoint. He said that the renovated stadium not only serves as an important international hub linking Beijing with the world, but also gives back to residents through its architecture and surrounding environment. He also commended the well-developed transport system around the venue, viewing it as a sign of Beijing's capacity as a megacity to incorporate all the resources, including technologies and transport facilities for effective urban governance.

After the tour, participants shared their impressions of the visit and their experiences using the International Web Portal of Beijing and "BeijingService".

The participating users sharing their feedback on the user experience

Lidia Elizabeth Quispe Pacombia, an economist, linguist, and blogger from Peru, praised the website's practical information. She mentioned that the website offers detailed travel guides for first-time foreign visitors and timely policy updates, offering practical guidance for foreigners in Beijing on study, internship, and employment procedures.

Eric Hamlin, a history teacher from the United States, said that he often uses the International Web Portal of Beijing to look up hutong guides, transport routes, and information on local attractions. He believes the website is highly valuable for both visitors and residents, and said he looks forward to discovering more city events through it. "We want to learn new things, because there's so much that goes on in Beijing. There are so many things to see," he added.

(Source: CRI Online)