Beijing hosts cultural tourism trade event to connect with global markets

A major cultural and tourism trade promotion event was held in Beijing on Wednesday, connecting Chinese creative industries with international partners.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized the event "The Finest Cultural Gifts from China," with a special session on "Connecting Cultures, Going Global. " The event attracted ambassadors and diplomats from 14 countries and regions, as well as senior officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

More than 30 organizations and companies showcased offerings ranging from creative cultural products and intangible heritage crafts to cultural and technological innovation and cross-border commerce.

The event provided a platform for live demonstrations, matchmaking, and negotiations, creating more opportunities for cultural and tourism enterprises aiming to expand internationally. It underscores the unique value and huge potential of Chinese cultural products and services in global trade.

"This event has been tremendously helpful for us in building our reputation, developing our brand, and expanding our customer base. It really supports our efforts in both bringing Chinese culture to the world and inviting global tourists to China," said Fu Yao, an exhibitor.

The "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" program brings together Chinese and international companies, traders, cross-border e-commerce, and media to build an effective trading platform for top-quality products and enterprises. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has held 18 editions in China and abroad, featuring topics from fashion and creative living to time-honored heritage brands, and has achieved strong results, according to its organizers.

Beijing hosts cultural tourism trade event to connect with global markets

The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, the first electrified railway in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has transported more than 6.25 million passengers and over 2 million tonnes of cargo since it began operation five years ago, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

Stretching 435.48 kilometers, the railway was designed for speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. More than 90 percent of the line lies at elevations above 3,000 meters, and it crosses the Yarlung Zangbo River 16 times. Bridges and tunnels account for about 75 percent of the route.

The railway opened on June 25, 2021, ending the absence of rail service in southeastern Xizang and bringing Fuxing high-speed trains to the plateau.

Over the past five years, monthly passenger trips on the railway increased from about 59,000 in its early days of operation to a record 153,800. Travel time from Lhasa to Shannan and Nyingchi has been reduced to as little as 1 hour and 2 minutes, and 3 hours and 49 minutes, respectively.

The freight-carrying capacity of trains operating on the line has risen from 902 tonnes in 2021 to 1,415 tonnes in 2026. Average daily cargo volume this year has increased 35.7-fold compared with the level recorded in 2021.

The railway has generated strong economic benefits, helping form a three-hour economic circle linking cities including Lhasa and Nyingchi, facilitating the flow of people, goods, capital and information, and promoting regional industrial development and sustainable economic growth.

Over the past five years, the average annual GDP growth rates of Nyingchi and Shannan have remained above 8 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively, both exceeding the national average.

Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway carries over 6.25 mln passengers in last five years