Editor's Note

Elegantly dressed in formal attire, there's a group of people, who always actively engage in important diplomatic and foreign affairs events. Despite their busy schedule, they take time to explore the vibrant streets and alleys of Beijing, immersing themselves in the history and cultural allure of this modern metropolis. Who are they? They are ambassadors representing over 170 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania, in China.

Curious about their impressions of Beijing? Which popular tourist attractions have they visited, and what cuisines do they like? Do they prefer unwinding at a cafe in Sanlitun, cycling along the riverbanks, or taking leisurely strolls after work? Moreover, what messages do they wish to convey to the people of Beijing?

To explore these questions, the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office has partnered with Beijing Daily and Beijing Radio & Television Station to create the “Beijing in the Eyes of Ambassadors” series. In today’s edition, we will take you to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, and meet with H.E. Ambassador Michael Starbæk Christensen. Let’s hear his stories about Beijing!

Celebrating Spring Festival in Beijing, a Wonderful Experience

Ambassador Christensen, a seasoned diplomat, is still relatively new to Beijing. He began his tenure in the city in August 2024, which means the recently-passed Year of the Snake Spring Festival was his first authentic experience of this traditional holiday. He described the Spring Festival as one of the most significant celebrations in China, and experiencing the festive atmosphere firsthand in Beijing was truly remarkable. From the bustling temple fairs and the spectacular holiday performances to the diverse street food offerings, everything left a deep impression on him. He believes that all these are rooted in China’s profound history and culture.

In Ambassador Christensen’s view, the Spring Festival is not just about bidding farewell to the old year and ushering in the new; more importantly, it is a time for family and friends to come together—a value that also resonates strongly with Danish culture. During the holiday, the Ambassador enthusiastically joined festive activities at the embassy, such as making dumplings, writing the Chinese character “Fu” (symbolizing good fortune), and putting up couplets. While he humbly admitted that his dumpling-making skills could use some improvement, he confidently declared that his dumplings tasted great!

Exploring Hutongs on Two Wheels

As an active Danish cyclist, Ambassador Christensen was delighted to discover that Beijing is also a great city to explore by bike. In his view, cycling is the best way to immerse oneself in a city. In Beijing, he owns a bicycle that he cherishes and he strongly recommends cycling as a way to experience the city. Not only does it allow for a broader range of exploration than walking, but even short-term visitors can easily rent a shared bike in the city. He praised that Beijing’s excellent infrastructure, like the dedicated bike lanes and routes, plus various mobile apps for rental payments and navigation have made biking in the city convenient and enjoyable. 

For Ambassador Christensen, Beijing is more than an international metropolis of just dazzling skyscrapers. It is the vibrant and bustling hutongs that captivate him even more. Riding his bicycle through the intricate network of hutongs offers an experience like no other. The traditional courtyards, the winding alleys, the lively chatter of locals, and the chirping of birds in the lush greens, all deeply enchant him. Notably, the former site of the Danish Embassy in China was located in the hutong area of Dongcheng District, and the current embassy in Sanlitun has incorporated many hutong elements into its architectural design. Morning sunlight spills into the square courtyard, and the reception area, where we did this interview, is at a corner of the corridor decorated with exquisite paintings.

Actively Engaging in Beijing’s Green Development

When talking about the collaboration between Beijing and Denmark, the Ambassador mentioned, Beijing highly values green and sustainable development, which aligns closely with Danish culture. “It’s in our DNA in Denmark that we find energy solutions. The energy you save is much better than the energy you use. So, it’s all about using as little to gain as much effect as you possibly can,” said the Ambassador.

Danish expertise has contributed significantly to Beijing’s urban planning and development initiatives. From the Beijing Performing Arts Centre to the energy-efficient design of Beijing Daxing International Airport, from the riverside promenade along the Liangma River to the water management system at the Beijing Capital International Airport, the successful cases of cooperation between Beijing and Denmark have become an integral part of Beijing residents’ daily life. This is something Ambassador Christensen takes great pride in. He highlighted Danish companies’ keen interest in working with Beijing and China on more large projects in the future. He also praised Beijing for prioritizing the creation of leisure spaces for its people. Places like the Liangma River area allow residents to unwind and connect with nature, away from the noise and traffic jams commonly seen in large cities. “It’s a pleasant place to be,” the Ambassador said, “I’m lucky that it’s next to where I live.” The area has become a favorite spot for him to enjoy daily walks and dog outings, along with many other local dog owners. “And I hope there will be more of those places,” he said.

Welcome to the Land of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Denmark. When asked about celebrations planned for this special occasion, Ambassador Christensen shared that a variety of activities will take place throughout the year, such as a comic exhibition titled The Danish Girl and The God of Thunder and a thematic exhibition honoring Hans Christian Andersen at the Danish Cultural Center in the 798 Art District.

The mention of Andersen instantly brought smiles to everyone. The Ambassador marveled at how beloved Andersen is in China, recalling that during his childhood, he was also deeply immersed in Andersen’s fairy tales. Even today, he still enjoys revisiting these classic stories. For the Ambassador, Andersen’s tales are filled with beauty and warmth, conveying important values through simple storytelling, and reflecting the humility of the Danish people. He believes that these stories serve as excellent bridges in cultural exchanges. Eager to share the embassy’s collection, the Ambassador led the journalists to a special corner, where a treasured early edition of Andersen’s Fairy Tales was displayed.

In the capital city of Copenhagen, the bronze statue of Little Mermaid, a figure from Andersen’s fairy tales, stands as a must-visit attraction. For visitors interested in Nordic Renaissance architecture, Ambassador Christensen recommended one of the country’s earliest castles, Kronborg Castle, which is located in the north of Copenhagen.  In addition, the Ambassador also recommended H.C. Andersen’s House in Odense to explore the writer’s fantastic world of fairy tales in his hometown. As a cycling fan who enjoys exploring Beijing’s hutongs on his bike, the Ambassador shared personal advice for travelers, “You can do a few museums, but you can also just enjoy the atmosphere, walk around, maybe rent a bike.” “Jump up on a bike and experience the city, see people in streets….and listen to the culture is as important as going to a museum—I think it’s the best way to explore another country,” he suggested.