"A Date with China" 2023 International Media Tour launches in Quanzhou, southeastern China's Fujian province, June 16, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Chinadaily.com.cn]
"A Date with China" 2023 International Media Tour rolled into Quanzhou, southeastern China's Fujian province, on Friday, marking the start of a four-day cultural exploration in the city. During the tour, journalists and social media influencers from home and abroad will explore ancient dwellings, wharves and sites of the Maritime Silk Road, local Hakka traditions, and the region's unique marine culture.
Under the theme "advancing civilizational exchanges, promoting mutual economic benefits," the tour aims to highlight the industrious spirit of local people and the role Fujian has played in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) over the past decade.
Quanzhou was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021, featuring 22 historical sites and monuments. As the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road in China, the city was also one of the world's largest ports during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties and a central hub for maritime trade.
Italian explorer Marco Polo described the city as "the very great and noble city." Drawing parallels with the past, Aniello Puorto, a correspondent of Radiotelevisione Italiana, said at the event's launch ceremony, "Now, our task is to be the Marco Polo in the new era, and continue to build a bridge between Chinese and Italian cultures."
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI. "The BRI is a testament to China's commitment to promoting economic development and cooperation across the world," said Yasmin von Roon, a content creator from Italy participating in the media tour. "It represents a vision for a better future where nations can work together to build a prosperous and sustainable world," she added.
In the coming days, the tour's participants will try their hands at traditional porcelain-making, watch a folk performance related to Hakka culture, and visit iconic BRI projects in the province.
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