Diplomats hit the road to experience China

The 2023 Discover China Cultural Tour began on Monday, with the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region as its first stop.

A group of diplomats and envoys from such places as Jordan, Albania, Spain, Fiji and Mexico visited the Lijiang River and Longji terraced field in Guilin from Monday to Thursday. They were impressed by the natural karst landscape and its unique cultural relics during the four-day tour.

"We enjoyed seeing these attractions and beautiful culture of the Yao village," said Hussam Husseini, Jordan's ambassador to China.

The entourage visited the Long Hair Yao village in Longsheng county and its hair care museum on Tuesday.

"It's rare to make use of this long hair tradition by providing some hair care and shampoos. I think that presents very much the attachment to tradition," Husseini added.

Selim Belortaja, Albania's ambassador to China, said the integration of the green economy, agriculture, and tourism is perhaps the best choice for the future because humankind is turning toward nature.

"People are looking with interest toward a new life which should be green and clean," he said. "Longji is maybe the best example of that new trend."

More than 140 diplomats and envoys from 68 countries have participated in the trips to explore China's natural beauty, heritage, folklore and modern development since the event was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.