From March 21 to 22, the "Hello Beijing - Discover China" Cultural Tour was held in Beijing. More than 40 diplomats from 12 countries, including Mongolia, Latvia, Türkiye, and Moldova, participated in the event. Through cultural and tourism showcases, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) experiences, and visits to several locations, the event introduced Beijing's latest achievements in preserving its historic features, advancing urban renewal, promoting cultural and tourism integration and innovation, and facilitating inbound tourism.

The event kicked off at Quanyechang in the Qianmen region. During the event, a photo exhibition titled "Hello, Beijing" showcased Beijing's urban landscape to the diplomats, highlighting the coexistence of historic relics and contemporary charm. ICH activities, such as Song-style dian cha (tea whisking), painting of Peking Opera's facial masks, and those featuring Beijing's bristle figurines and Jin's kites, allowed visitors to fully marvel at the charm of traditional Chinese crafts.

A diplomat tries painting a facial mask used for Peking Opera.

Kimberly Zammit, Deputy Head of Mission at the Maltese Embassy in China, tried making a kite and painting a facial mask. She said that these diverse activities focusing on traditional Chinese culture were both engaging and interesting. Zammit continued that she would recommend tourists from all over the world to come to Beijing and discover the unique charm of the local ICH for themselves.

Kimberly Zammit, Deputy Head of Mission at the Maltese Embassy in China, during an interview

At the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) Culture Zone of Tong Ren Tang, a time-honored TCM brand, diplomats attended an exhibition of medicinal materials and tools. They made spring wellness sachets, learned about traditional pharmaceutical techniques, and gained first-hand insight into the traditional Chinese wisdom of health preservation.

Diplomats make spring health sachets.

David Tuitoga, Second Secretary at the Fijian Embassy in China, has been in Beijing for just three months and is very interested in the TCM culture. Tuitoga said that this was his first time trying the traditional Chinese therapy, as he had previously only taken Western medicine. A TCM practitioner assessed his condition through his pulse and prescribed a formula for him. To Tuitoga, it was a wonderful experience, and he commented that Beijing should promote the TCM culture to the whole world.

David Tuitoga, Second Secretary at the Fijian Embassy in China, during an interview

Later, the participating diplomats visited the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts Museum, where they viewed the rare treasures of the imperial court crafts, including those made through cloisonné, jade carving, carved lacquer, and filigree inlay techniques. In a core commercial district, they learned about the convenient "instant tax refund" service. They also watched shows of the Beijing Fashion Week 2026 to discover the creative vitality and evolving fashion industry in the capital city. At the China National Botanical Garden, they were greeted by a blend of natural landscapes and cultural heritage. At Fahai Temple Mural Art Center, the diplomats observed up close the Fahai Temple murals, which are also part of China's national treasures. The trip allowed them to immersively experience Beijing's achievements in building an ecological capital city with cultural charm and greater livability.

For Kārlis Eihenbaums, Latvian Ambassador to China, while many visitors prefer famous attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven after coming to Beijing, the China National Botanical Garden is equally worth a visit. He remarked that with a wide variety of plants, the area also allows visitors to indulge themselves in the wonderful natural landscape. Eihenbaums continued that the nearby Fragrant Hills boast stunning scenery, where everyone can hike for exercise, marvel at quaint and elegant buildings, and overlook the entire city of Beijing after reaching the summit. He sincerely recommended everyone to come and discover what he called "the unique beauty of nature and culture".

Diplomats at the China National Botanical Garden

Selçuk Ünal, Turkish Ambassador to China (first from right), makes two lacquer fans.

Selçuk Ünal, Turkish Ambassador to China, stated that he enjoyed himself at every museum and exhibition visited during this trip. Introduced to many exquisite, traditional Chinese crafts, he remarked that all the precious exhibits he saw fully epitomize China's long history and rich cultural heritage. Through many artifacts that impressed him greatly, Ünal was pleasantly surprised to find many similarities between Turkish and Chinese cultures, such as blue decorative motifs.

(Source: CRI Online)