To promote Chinese tourism among the people of Bangladesh, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh, the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh National Museum jointly celebrated ‘China Tourism Day’ with the theme ‘Explore China, Embrace Happiness’.
You can also read: Population Policy Revolution: Transforming People into Productive Resources
The celebration, held at the Bangladesh National Museum was graced by Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, Md Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum, and Abdus Salam Aref, President of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh, among others.
More than 200 representatives from the Bangladesh Tourism Board, major travel agencies, think tanks, cultural institutions, Chinese and Bangladeshi media, Chinese airlines, and Confucius Institutes (classrooms) in Bangladesh attended the event.
Event Highlights
Counselor Li Shaopeng highlighted the close geographical and emotional ties between China and Bangladesh, emphasizing the evolving bilateral relationship. He invited more Bangladeshi tourists to explore China, including destinations like Beijing and Yunnan, to experience China’s rich tourism resources and vibrant culture. Li underscored the importance of tourism in fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
He noted the Chinese government’s commitment to enhancing the convenience of inbound tourism through improved services in areas such as cross-border payments, scenic spot visits, hotel accommodations, and product supply. Li expressed China’s readiness to strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges with Bangladesh, share industry development experiences, develop tourism products together, and promote high-quality tourism development for the benefit of both peoples.
Md. Kamruzzaman remarked on the profound historical and cultural heritage shared by China and Bangladesh, both ancient civilizations. He emphasized tourism’s role as a bridge connecting different countries and nations, fostering cultural exchange and deepening mutual friendship. He hoped the event would help the Bangladeshi people better appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture and tourism, thereby advancing people-to-people exchanges and friendly relations between the two countries.
Mr. Abdus Salam Aref noted that tourism and culture transcend national borders. He praised China as a vast country with abundant tourism resources, a highly desirable destination for people worldwide, including cities and regions like Beijing, Shanghai, Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Guangxi, and Shaanxi. He highlighted China’s rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals, which are well-received by the Bangladeshi people.
Explore China, Embrace Happiness
The theme of the ‘China Tourism Day’ promotion event was “Explore China, Embrace Happiness.” The event showcased China’s rich tourism resources and the latest measures to facilitate inbound travel through tourism promotion, route introductions, and photo exhibitions of Beijing and Yunnan landscapes, fostering tourism cooperation and exchanges between China and Bangladesh.
The event featured a lively atmosphere with distinguished guests. During the video viewing segment, attendees watched ‘Incredible China’, ‘Dancing Beijing’, and ‘The South of the Clouds’, captivated by Beijing’s dynamic charm and Yunnan’s mystical beauty. The videos depicted China’s wonders, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, the magnificent landscapes of the North and colorful Yunnan, the diversity of 56 ethnic groups, and the exquisite traditional crafts, highlighting the enduring appeal of a 5,000-year-old civilization.
Air China to Operate Beijing-Dhaka route
In the tourism promotion segment, representatives from the offices of Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines in Dhaka gave engaging presentations. Air China, based in Beijing, announced the upcoming launch of a Beijing-Dhaka route, leveraging its extensive domestic and international network as a Star Alliance member.
China Eastern Airlines, headquartered in Shanghai and a SkyTeam member, is preparing to launch a Beijing-Dhaka direct flight, building on its successful Kunming-Dhaka route established on May 18, 2005, marking the 30th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. China Southern Airlines, headquartered in Guangzhou, is committed to developing the “Canton Route,” enhancing Guangzhou’s role as the premier gateway from mainland China to Oceania and Southeast Asia, with plans for new Beijing-Dhaka routes and increased Guangzhou-Dhaka flights.
Han Jingchao, General Manager of Irving Aviation Ltd in Bangladesh, introduced the characteristics and needs of Bangladeshi tourists traveling to China, recommending tours to Beijing and Kunming and analyzing the trends of Bangladeshi visitors to China following the implementation of new inbound tourism facilitation measures.
Cultural Performance
Following the promotion event, guests enjoyed special performances of traditional Chinese culture. Teachers and volunteers from Confucius Institutes and classrooms at Dhaka University, North South University, and Shanto-Mariam Academy of Creative Technology presented lion dances and Hanfu shows. The lively lion dance quickly energized the audience, with two Bangladeshi students performing the Chinese lion dance vividly. Accompanied by melodious traditional music, six teachers elegantly danced in beautiful Hanfu, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture and mesmerizing the audience.
After the performances, the guests applauded as they jointly cut the ribbon for the “China Tourism Photo Exhibition” and viewed the exhibition. Over 60 photos were displayed, with stunning Beijing tourism photography showcasing the majestic Forbidden City and intricate Peking Opera performances, immersing viewers in Beijing’s grandeur. The Yunnan tourism exhibition featured dazzling images of Kunming’s Dianchi Lake, Dali’s Erhai Lake, the picturesque Stone Forest, and Meili Snow Mountain, capturing the audience’s imagination with the diverse landscapes of Yunnan. Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines also highlighted their route advantages and brand features at the exhibition.
The President of the Bangladesh Tourism Board stated that the event allowed for a close appreciation of China’s diverse tourism resources and profound culture. He commended the Chinese government for its efforts to enhance the convenience of foreign tourists entering China and hoped for stronger cooperation between the tourism institutions of both countries to stimulate the tourism market’s vitality and look forward to more opportunities to visit China.
In commemoration of the opening day of the ‘Travel Notes of Xu Xiake’ by the great Ming Dynasty traveler, geographer, historian, and writer Xu Xiake, the Chinese State Council approved the designation of May 19 as ‘China Tourism Day’ in 2011. The ‘China Tourism Day’ promotion event in Bangladesh aimed to implement the Chinese government’s policy to improve the convenience of foreign tourists entering China, deepen cultural and tourism exchanges between China and Bangladesh, promote mutual visits, and strengthen the foundation of Sino-Bangladeshi cultural exchanges. The ‘China Tourism Day’ photo exhibition will continue until May 21.
