“Yanqi Lake presents a picturesque scene, featuring rolling lush hills, lucid waters, and occasional sightings of white gulls gracefully gliding in the sky. The view from the tower is even more enchanting.”
“Beigou Village is exceptionally beautiful. Can you imagine that even when lying in bed, I can catch a breathtaking view of the Great Wall? I am eager to revisit this place with my family and friends and share its beauty with others. I hope to encourage people from our country to make investments and buy properties here.”
On September 19, 80 journalists from 68 countries, among them Ethiopia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Algeria, toured various locations in Huairou, including the Yanqi Lake International Conference Resort, Beigou Village of Bohai Town, and Beijing Yu Shi Yuan Food Co., Ltd.,. During the visit, the journalists witnessed firsthand the charm of the important venue for diplomatic events held in Beijing and major national events, and experienced the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism industries that characterizes Beijing’s distinctive and global appeal.
The Yanqi Lake International Conference Resort, which served as the main venue of APEC 2014 and two editions of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), plays a pivotal role in strengthening Beijing’s functions as a center for international exchanges. Foreign journalists attentively listened to the introduction of supporting services for the forums while capturing the details with their cameras.
Mohammed Latima, a reporter from Libya’s Anadolu Agency, said, "Yanqi Lake is a picturesque place where many major conferences and forums have been held. China places significant importance on collaborating with diverse nations globally. I hope there will be more exchanges and cooperation between China and Libya in the future." A reporter from the Algeria Press Service, said, "China promotes the Belt and Road Initiative under a win-win principle, ensuring all partners will benefit from it."
In the afternoon, foreign journalists visited Beigou Village of Bohai Town. Known for its international cultural elements, Beigou Village boasts a beautiful environment and good infrastructure, drawing large numbers of international residents and investors. At the Happy Old Age Nursing Home, the foreign journalists gained insights into the innovative practices of elderly care in China’s rural areas, saying that such initiatives deserve wider adoption and promotion in other countries.
“The traditional virtues of the Chinese people shine through here. In Arab countries, we also have deep respect for the elderly, so the village’s efforts in elderly care greatly resonates with me,” said a journalist from the Jordan News Agency. At the Brickyard Hotel, a journalist from Canal 39 Honduras praised the transformation of a former glazed tile factory into vibrant glazed paths and walls. He said, “It reflects China’s commitment to ecological conservation by turning waste tiles into valuable assets. Brickyard Hotel left a lasting impression on me, and its remarkable transformation has brought unique vitality and hues to Beigou Village.”
During their visit to Yu Shi Yuan Food Co., Ltd., foreign journalists explored the modern workshop and production line, witnessing the utilization of cutting-edge technology in the manufacturing process of Beijing snacks. A diverse array of Beijing snacks, from Peking Duck to Tuckahoe Pie, Tanghulu, and Lyu Da Gun, proved to be quite popular. Upon knowing that some of the company’s products are exported to Saudi Arabia, a journalist from local Alsharq expressed heightened interest and sought an in-depth exchange with the company leader. Moreover, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, foreign journalists also participated in making mooncakes, experiencing the charm of traditional Chinese food culture.
The visit to Huairou was a collaborative effort between the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Huairou District Foreign Affairs Office, as a part of the offline shooting activity of the 3rd “Beijing - A Global City” Short Video Contest. Journalists were invited to capture and showcase elements that embody Beijing as a global city, aiming to present an open, inclusive, harmonious, and livable Beijing to the world.
Further information
The Yanqi Island is a crucial part of the Yanqi Lake International Conference Resort in Huairou District, covering an area of about 650,000 square meters, with a floor area of 180,000 square meters. The island mainly consists of the Yangi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center, Yanqi Hotel, Yanqi Tower, and twelve state guest villas. Renowned for hosting major events such as the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2014, the inaugural BRF in 2017, and the second BRF in 2019, the Yanqi Island is also celebrated as a popular leisure destination in the capital city.
Beigou Village is situated in the northeast of Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing, with chestnut planting and tourism as its pillar industries. Leveraging the picturesque landscape of the Mutianyu Great Wall, the village has developed internet-famous spots such as the WA Art Architecture Museum and San Sa Camping site. Such endeavor aims to promote the in-depth integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Currently, the village boasts a competitive industrial cluster, comprising over 30 high-end boutique homestays and more than 20 folk-custom host families, including the Brickyard Hotel and San Sa Village.
Yu Shi Yuan Food Co., Ltd., located in Zhongguancun Huairou Park, is a Beijing-based specialty food enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of traditional Beijing foods and healthy snacks. Among its offerings, 20 products, such as Tanghulu, Beijing preserved fruit, Tuckahoe Pie, Lyu Da Gun, Beijing sweet peas pudding, and hawthorn cake, have been honored with the title of "Famous Chinese Snacks". Notably, the Tuckahoe Pie production technique has been recognized as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage".
