Throngs of South Korean tourists have been flocking to Zhangjiajie, a picturesque tourist destination in central China's Hunan Province, to enjoy its breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Data from the Hunan government showed that during the January-March period, the province received 328,500 visits from foreign tourists, including 116,500 made by South Korean tourists, a surge of over 91 times year on year.
"There is a saying in South Korea that one must visit Zhangjiajie at least once in their lifetime. After coming here, I realized that this saying is true," said a tourist from South Korea.
"We are from Jeju Island, South Korea, and our family came together for traveling. The transportation in Zhangjiajie is very convenient, and there are also many facilities designed for the elderly," said another tourist from South Korea.
The surge in tourist figures has also boosted the local catering industry, with the daily revenue of some restaurants even reaching more than 1,380 U.S. dollars.
"We can receive about 100 South Korean tourists every day," said Jin Dongxu, one of the restaurant owners.
S Korean tourists flock to Hunan to enjoy breathtaking beauty of Zhangjiajie
A French student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University recently called for more educational exchanges between the two countries.
During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Bouaoud Elies shared his experience living and studying in China.
After graduating from the business school at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Elies decided to stay in the country. He said he continues to study Chinese to improve his competitiveness and explore the huge trade opportunities between the two countries.
"I mean I love it here. I don't want to go back to France. I would like to become the bridge between France and China. So, if I can do this, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road, now the relations between France and China are very good. So, I think a lot of things will happen," he said.
Elies also said he hopes that more French students could visit China and develop a better understanding of the country.
France was the first major western country to establish full diplomatic ties with China, and the history of educational exchanges can be traced back more than a century and a half when China sent its students to France to study maritime affairs.
Since then, exchanges have deepened considerably.
"In China, we have established 14 French training centers. In France, we have established 19 Confucius Institutes. These institutions serve as bridges for mutual understanding and trust between the youth and people of the two countries, enhancing language and cultural connections," said Yang Dan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education.
French student calls for more educational exchanges with China
