Diplomats experience innovation and foster cooperation in Beijing's Haidian district

Organized by Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the government of Haidian district, 32 diplomats from 23 countries including Italy, Cyprus, Ecuador, Grenada and Malaysia and BPAFFCC council members from diplomatic, economic and cultural sectors visited Haidian on Thursday. They explored Haidian's achievements in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, and appreciated the cultural charm of the national historical and cultural heritage sites of the "Three Hills and Five Gardens", a collective term for the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) imperial gardens in Haidian.

The international guests toured Xiaomi Corporation, where they were briefed on core business areas such as smartphones, internet of things platforms, intelligent connected new energy vehicles and smart homes. The latest Xiaomi products, which combine cutting-edge technology with human-centered design, offered the visiting diplomats a glimpse of new, convenient lifestyle experience the company envisions.

Ian J. Marshall, the ambassador of Grenada to China, expressed his admiration for the country’s rapidly advancing technology, and said he hoped these innovations would be introduced to Grenada to foster sustainable future cooperation between the two countries.

Haidian is home to Zhongguancun — one of the most vibrant hubs for high-tech enterprises in China and globally. At the Zhongguancun Dongsheng Science and Technology Park (Northern Territory), park officials introduced the visitors to the park’s various business forms, including the digital economy, life sciences and new energy materials, as well as the park's one-stop service model for enterprises.

Ambassador of Cyprus to China Koula Sophianou said the technology showcased during the visit was of extraordinary significance, adding that China has made numerous groundbreaking advances in technology, and she looked forward to exploring more in-depth cooperation with China during her tenure.

Haidian's allure extends beyond technological innovation. At the "Three Hills and Five Gardens" Cultural and Arts Center, guests learned about the development and cultural significance of the area through artifacts and digital technology, experiencing Haidian's rich historical and cultural heritage. The “Three Hills” are the Longevity Hill, the Fragrant Hill and the Jade Spring Hill, while the “Five Gardens” are the Summer Palace, Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure (Jingyi Garden), Garden of Tranquility and Brightness (Jingming Garden), Garden of Everlasting Spring (Changchun Garden) and Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park. Together they represent a profound cultural legacy spanning multiple historical eras, epitomized by the exquisite imperial gardens built in the 18th century. Their beautiful landscapes and structures perfectly embody harmony between human and nature.

During the event, Yue Li, deputy secretary of the Haidian District Committee of the Communist Party of China, introduced the district's development advantages and cooperation opportunities. He emphasized Haidian's commitment to accelerating the development of new quality productive forces and building a world-leading science and technology park, thereby creating more development opportunities. Yue encouraged participants to experience the district's innovative vitality and cultural charm and to actively support Haidian in deepening international exchanges and cooperation.

The diplomats and representatives from over 10 Haidian-based enterprises engaged in business matchmaking at Haidian Park, discussing further cooperation and exchange.

Since its inception in 2011, the event has been held for 13 years, involving over 300 diplomats from more than 90 countries. The initiative has spanned various districts in Beijing, providing a platform for diplomats and BPAFFC council members to comprehensively understand the capital's high-quality development achievements, promote district-specific industries, and facilitate cultural exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between China and the rest of the world.