Chinese embassy joins tour circuit

"Beautiful China" staged a stunning show featuring "Integrated Tourism", as the Chinese Embassy opened its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday. It was part of Washington's world embassy tour, hosted by the Cultural Tourism DC.

The promotional event, organized by the China National Tourist Office in New York (CNTO), not only brought a pleasant and friendly atmosphere to the embassy, but also demonstrated the public's fascination with all things China.

"It's always been our objective to serve the national strategy and enhance the relationship between China and the US," said Kuang Lin, director of the CNTO.

"It's an effort to expand the US outbound tourism market to China."

In line with the "Year of Integrated Tourism 2018", the CNTO presented Chinese tourism information, traditional Chinese folk music, hands-on calligraphy demonstrations and China visit snapshots at the embassy.

The event attracted hundreds of local Americans on opening day.

The Chinese embassy open house was part of the Around the World Embassy Tour held annually in the US capital, with more than 53 foreign embassies opening their doors to the public over a 31-day period.

Supported by Passport DC, the tour offers a month-long journey "around the world" highlighting DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied cultures.

Celebrated annually in May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, Passport DC features street festivals, performances, exhibitions and workshops and has been held for 11 years in a row.