International Guests of World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development 2024 Visit Beijing Intangible Cultural Heritage Center

To strengthen international exchanges and cooperation on cultural and natural heritage, and fully showcase Beijing's achievements in terms of the integration and innovative development of cultural and tourism sectors, on the morning of September 12, 31 prominent international guests attending the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development 2024, including delegations headed by Tunisian Minister of Tourism and Handicraft, the Governor of Asti Province and Mayor of Asti City of Italy, and the Mayor of Marbella of Spain visited Beijing Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, accompanied by the staff of the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF).

The international guests had an immersive tour in a Beijing-style quadrangle (siheyuan) to learn about the Chinese imperial culture represented by the "Eight Imperial Handicrafts of Yanjing", the noble Chinese scholar culture represented by artworks, study supplies, costumes and cuisine, and the Chinese folk culture of secular life in hutongs. The guests were attracted by the screen wall decorated with the traditional Rabbit God (Tu'er Ye) at the entrance, and the stamp book of the Rabbit God of Five Blessings. The interpreter properly elaborated the auspicious meanings contained in the different mounts of the Rabbit God, and further explained the local customs of inviting the Rabbit God home on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival to dispel diseases and misfortunes. The guests were also interested in the experience zone of woodblock printing from Rongbaozhai Art Gallery in the study space, and learned about the reproduction techniques of divided blocks and handmade printing to paint giant pandas vividly. They joyfully took photos with their own works.

Comments like "amazing" and "perfect" could be heard throughout their tour, showing the guests' heartfelt recognition of the uniqueness and exquisiteness of Beijing's intangible cultural heritage and affection for excellent traditional Chinese culture. Seeing the displayed made-in-Beijing hardwood furniture, a guest from Colombia said that he is a collector of Chinese-style furniture, and owns many pieces of Chinese-style furniture at home. He interestedly showed the photos of collections to the staff, and was amazed by the numerous varieties of mortise-and-tenon structures of Chinese furniture. The guests were from different countries and regions, with different cultural backgrounds and aesthetic views. However, at that moment, they found the same resonance and emotional fusion. Representing the excellent traditional Chinese culture, China's intangible cultural heritage items have been fully showcased to and recognized within the international community, and become highlights of the Chinese culture. The Chinese values, wisdom and spirit carried forward by intangible cultural heritage will also be widely spread and appreciated through the exchanges and dialogues among civilizations.