Do you dream of going abroad during the sizzling summer but don't want to miss out on the Beijing Olympic Games?

In a way you can do both by "experiencing Switzerland in all its diversity without leaving China," said Manuel Salchli, head of international events for Presence Switzerland, the country's national promotional organization.

It's made possible by the House of Switzerland 2008, China, part of the Olympic landscape this year.

"While China is hosting the biggest sports event in its history, Switzerland will be present with its official reception center during the Games," he said.

"The effort called the 'Essence of Switzerland' offers Swiss hospitality, introduces its culture and reveals more about innovation in Switzerland through a few selected companies," Salchli said.

The approach has been a fixture at the Games since the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. This year's House of Switzerland, located in Dashanzi 798 Art Zone, the up-and-coming artist district in northeastern Beijing, will offer a taste of authentic Switzerland in its restaurant and lounge where national delicacies will be served.

"Switzerland has had bilateral relations with China for almost 60 years and is proud to be part of the Olympic Games through The House of Switzerland," Salchli said.

The event not only offers opportunities to strengthen business and personal relations between the two countries but also to introduce the city of Lucerne and the Lake Lucerne region, "one of Switzerland's most beautiful areas and very popular among Chinese tourists", he added.

With more than 3,700 sq m of space, the open house is Switzerland's biggest and most comprehensive ever.

In addition to a public restaurant and lounge, the house will also feature a VIP zone, a large exhibition area and a function room for presentations and speeches.

While savoring Swiss cuisine, visitors can enjoy the landscape of Switzerland, the Lake Lucerne Region and listen to Swiss folk music.

In collaboration with Lucerne Tourism and the Lake Lucerne region, the house has more than 20 Swiss partners from the public and private sectors.

"Friendship relies on personal contacts and the cultivation of those. We hope to create a real interest for Switzerland and its diversity and to make lots of new friends among our visitors," the director said.

"The house is open to the public and looks forward to welcome as many visitors as possible and celebrate the true Olympic spirit together, Salchli said.

"We also want to intensify cultural dialog between the two countries and to give the chance for Chinese as well as international guests to meet, make new friends and exchange experiences," he added.

Architectural cooperation

The landmark "Bird's Nest" National Sports Stadium, the main venue for the upcoming Games, was jointly designed by famed Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron and Chinese counterparts.

"We believe that the team-up between them is proof of the successful cooperation between China and Switzerland," Calchli said. "The potential for future cooperation is huge on both sides."

Apart from its international reputation in industrial design and architecture, Switzerland is home to top science and technology universities such as the Federal Institutes of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne. Recognized as an international research center, the nation offers extensive know-how on environmental protection, overall innovation and pharmaceutical research.

Salchli welcomed Chinese travelers to visit his country.

Located in the heart of Europe and despite its small size, Switzerland offers a wide variety of possibilities and activities that can be easily accessed.

From scenic train rides through snowcapped mountains to a shopping and inspiring walks through the beautiful city of Lucerne with its famous bridge and surrounding rivers and lakes - everything can be experienced in one single day, Salchli said.

Lucerne's many shops and restaurants are a must and a good starting point for a trip around Switzerland.

(China Daily August 1, 2008)