A delegation of foreign media professionals is embarking on a tour of Fujian Province in east China, conducting an in-depth exploration of the historical and cultural heritage and witnessing its captivating development stories firsthand.
The "China Up Close" tour started on Sunday and will last about one week, bringing together 21 journalists and other media professionals from 18 countries across the Asia Pacific region.
The tour aims to help broaden understanding of China within the global media industry, letting reporters observe its development and engage in extensive exchanges.
Their first stop was Fuzhou, the provincial capital of Fujian and an important port city.
On Monday morning, the foreign media professionals arrived at the Kuliang Resort in eastern Fuzhou, where they had the opportunity to appreciate the cultural and scenic beauty of the site and visit historical buildings.
Kuliang, or Guling in Mandarin, is a pleasant summer resort with green mountains, lush vegetation, and fresh air. It became a haven where both locals and foreigners congregated during the warmer months. The resort has seen generations of people strive to promote friendly exchanges and carry on international relations through the years.
"I think it is really interesting to see how much inter-cultural history is here in Kuliang. Especially for me as an American, to know what a long history that there is between China and U.S. friendship here, and to see more of the long history. It's just really exciting," said Rachel Weiss, a CGTN reporter.
On Monday afternoon, the delegation arrived in Ningde City, and visited a local innovative new energy technology company. They gained in-depth insights into the company's development history, core products, research capabilities, technological innovations and others.
"This is my first time in Fujian and my first time in China overall. In China, I'm really excited to see a lot more of the progression of renewable energy and green energy and how this can benefit," said Mareva Cameron, a reporter for Cook Islands Television.
Foreign reporters witness firsthand stories of development in east China
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
