On June 26, the Foreign Diplomats Experiencing Beijing: A Special Event in Shougang Park, Shijingshan District was successfully held. This event was co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the Shijingshan District People’s Government, and Shougang Group Co., Ltd. Ambassadors to China, commercial counselors, and science & technology counselors from 22 countries, including Panama, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Canada, the ROK, Switzerland, the US, and the UK, toured Shougang Park, exploring the unique charm of the capital’s new landmark for urban renewal and engaging in in-depth dialogue with enterprises to advance practical cooperation.
The No.3 Blast Furnace, where molten iron once flowed, has been repurposed into a popular venue for cultural tourism and exhibitions in western Beijing. Diplomats ascended the viewing platform to enjoy a panoramic view of the Shougang Park, witnessing the remarkable transformation from an “industrial rust belt” to a vibrant “urban showcase”. Meanwhile, the No. 1 Blast Furnace, while cleverly preserving its industrial framework, has been developed into a futuristic sci-fi hub, seamlessly integrating holographic displays, future-oriented dining, and other technology-driven business forms.
Diplomats delved into Shougang’s evolution from an industrial heritage site to a new landmark of consumption, experiencing its vibrant development. Through renovation, the former raw material storage warehouse has been transformed into the RE International Center for Digital Creativity, where digital technology revitalizes historical and cultural heritage. During an immersive exhibition tour, diplomats praised the innovative concept of “digital technology + cultural heritage” as a replicable model for similar projects.
At the event, representatives from Shougang Group and enterprises in Shijingshan District briefed diplomats on their business developments and international cooperation needs.
Beijing Shougang Construction Investment Co., Ltd. offered a comprehensive overview of Shougang Park, elaborating on its design and planning, the sustainable reuse of industrial heritage, strategies to attract high-end, precision, and cutting-edge industrial resources, and investment promotion policies. Realman Intelligent Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. showcased its flagship product — an ultra-lightweight anthropomorphic robotic arm. The ZGC Science Fiction Industry Innovation Center outlined Beijing’s supportive policies for the sci-fi industry and introduced key players in the sci-fi supply chain. Beijing Choice Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. promoted its smart healthcare products, such as those for cardiovascular and sleep monitoring, along with its overseas market strategy. Eight Imperial Handicrafts of Beijing Culture Development Co., Ltd. highlighted the work on preserving traditional craftsmanship, and displayed classic intangible cultural heritage pieces.
Diplomats immersed themselves in experiencing various innovative products presented by enterprises, including Shougang’s ultra-thin “Gauzy Steel”, ultra-lightweight anthropomorphic robotic arms, and smart healthcare devices. They engaged in productive discussions with government officials from Shijingshan District and business executives from Shougang Group and other enterprises on economic cooperation and technical exchange, agreeing to explore future partnerships.
Miguel Humberto Lecaro Barcenas, Ambassador of Panama to China stated that it is a great pleasure to visit Shougang Park, a green, eco-friendly zone that utilizes numerous pieces of industrial heritage to showcase history. The integration is truly remarkable.
Khan Muhammad, Counsellor for Scientific and Technological Affairs, Embassy of Pakistan in China requested promotional materials on Shijingshan District’s key industries, praising the district’s overall planning philosophy for the area.
Economic and Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Slovenia in China said that numerous industrial parks in Slovenia also face the challenge of revitalization. Shougang Park provides an excellent solution.
The “Foreign Diplomats Experiencing Beijing” series serves as a key platform for showcasing the capital’s high-quality development and advancing pragmatic international cooperation. Moving forward, Beijing Foreign Affairs Office will organize more promotional and exchange activities in economy, trade, technology, and culture. By working closely with foreign diplomatic missions in China, the Office aims to promote practical cooperation across various fields and achieve win-win results.
