Co-hosted by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, the “Hello Beijing” Photography Exhibition and Culinary Tasting Event kicked off at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport on February 22. The event was organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and supported by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, Yunnan Investment Group, and the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship. Representatives from the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and relevant institutions of Siem Reap attended the opening ceremony.

The event was designed to present to Cambodian residents and international travelers at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport Beijing’s charm and the city’s latest development achievements as a historical city and a world tourism destination. The photography exhibition blends documentary realism with artistic interpretation, capturing Beijing’s distinctive character through the lens. Divided into four thematic sections - Charm of the Ancient Capital, Vibrant Metropolis, Cultural Impressions, and 24 Solar Terms - the exhibition features over 100 photographs that offer a comprehensive portrayal of Beijing’s rich cultural and tourism allure. From the majestic Great Wall and the solemn Forbidden City to the dazzling night lights and vibrant cultural life, these captivating scenes are all showcased in the exhibition. Additionally, large-format photographs of landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the Beijing Central Axis, and the Winter Olympic venues offer visitors an immersive glimpse of the city’s seasonal beauty and cultural vibrancy with striking visual impact.

The exhibition featured a “Beijing Central Axis Passport” stamping experience zone with AI photography equipment, where visitors could use AI to generate photos with backgrounds selected from photographs themed “World Heritage” and “Dual Olympic City” and get instant prints on-site. This interactive experience was highly popular among attendees and international tourists at the airport. Additionally, tea artists from Wuyutai Tea, a time-honored Chinese brand in Beijing, performed Song Dynasty tea whisking techniques. Attendees and tourists had the opportunity to sample jasmine tea and traditional Beijing palace pastries while learning about Wuyutai’s jasmine tea-making techniques, a national-level intangible cultural heritage item in China.

This event served as both a window to highlight Beijing’s unique charm and an exchange platform for international tourists, inspiring greater interest in this modern metropolis with profound history. After snapping pictures at the AI setup with Beijing’s iconic tourist attractions, several French travelers shared that while they had never been to Beijing before, they became interested in exploring the city in person.. One stated, “We have scheduled a trip to Beijing next year to visit the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City in the photos, and capture images on-site.” Veteran tour guide Chun Shun commented, “I’ve never been to China, but as a history enthusiast, I have a deep interest in the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. I often learn about them through Chinese films and television dramas, which have provided me with valuable insights into the 5,000-year history of the Chinese civilization. I will definitely travel to China one day, and I’m particularly eager to visit Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall.” Nhean Phuong Maly, a representative from a Cambodian cultural organization, noted that the exhibition allowed her to explore many of Beijing’s famous tourist sites, sample exquisite Chinese pastries, and enjoy traditional Chinese tea art performance. She emphasized that such experiences would significantly contribute to international cultural exchanges. Taking the Temple of Heaven as an example, she pointed out the similarities between Chinese and Cambodian buildings, highlighting the cultural connections of the two countries.

The photography exhibition will be open to the public at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport until the end of April.