GUANGZHOU, China – International delegates participating in the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting gained immersive cultural exposure during their visit to Guangzhou’s historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall on February 6, 2026. The excursion provided diplomatic representatives with hands-on experience in traditional Chinese calligraphy amid the architectural splendor of one of Guangdong Province’s most significant cultural landmarks.
This cultural diplomacy initiative forms part of China’s comprehensive hosting duties for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 2026. The current preliminary sessions, running from February 1-10, establish the foundational framework for the upcoming economic summit where Asia-Pacific leaders will address regional cooperation and global economic challenges.
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, renowned for its exquisite traditional Cantonese architecture and status as a protected cultural heritage site, served as an ideal backdrop for cross-cultural exchange. Delegates engaged directly with China’s artistic traditions through calligraphy demonstrations, symbolizing the intersection of cultural preservation and international diplomacy.
These preliminary meetings in Guangzhou represent critical preparatory work for establishing agenda priorities and policy directives ahead of the main November summit. The cultural component demonstrates China’s approach to diplomacy that blends substantive economic discussions with opportunities for cultural appreciation and mutual understanding among member economies.
The selection of Guangzhou as host city highlights China’s strategic emphasis on showcasing developed metropolitan centers beyond its capital, presenting the dynamic economic and cultural landscape of southern China to international representatives.