Beijing witnessed the formal inauguration of the 2026 Discover China Cultural Tour initiative on Friday, marking the commencement of an extensive diplomatic engagement program for foreign envoys stationed in China. The launch ceremony, held at Shunyi Grand Theater, saw the participation of Gao Zheng, Vice-Minister of Culture and Tourism, alongside diplomatic representatives from 40 nations including 12 ambassadors and charges d’affaires.
The event featured the ‘Flourishing Gateway, Colorful Shunyi’ exhibition, providing attendees with both a retrospective examination of the program’s evolution over the past five years and a comprehensive overview of the 2026 itinerary. This year’s program will facilitate diplomatic visits to multiple Chinese regions including Beijing, Chongqing, Guangdong, Sichuan, Hubei, and Shaanxi provinces.
Foreign diplomats will gain firsthand exposure to China’s integrated cultural and tourism development strategies and witness the tangible progress of Chinese modernization initiatives. Since its establishment in 2021 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the program has successfully engaged over 500 diplomats from 107 countries. By the conclusion of 2026, the initiative will have expanded its reach to encompass 24 provincial-level regions across China, significantly enhancing international understanding of China’s cultural landscape and developmental achievements.