On October 10, international friends attending the China International Friendship Conference and Events Marking the 70th Anniversary of CPAFFC (1954-2024) visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMC). During their visit, they took a boat trip along the Grand Canal, toured the three cultural landmarks, and explored this rapidly emerging “city of the future”, experiencing the vibrant development of Beijing.

Walk in Green

Upon arriving at the BMC, a palette of green hues - ranging from deep, to light, to aquamarine - came into sight. Green thus became their first impression of the BMC. Strolling along the North Grand Canal pathway, they admired the vast blue skies and crystal-clear waters, with water birds occasionally soaring overhead. The picturesque ecological landscape of “blue and green intertwined in a fresh, bright harmony between water and city” amazed the visitors. Against the backdrop of the elegant Qianhe Xielu Bridge, international friends took out their phones to capture these beautiful moments.

BMC is a city flourishing amidst forests. Over 400 kilometers of greenways stretch from north to south, while eight forest parks, each covering over 666.67 hectares, connect east to west, creating a green spatial pattern of “two belts, one ring, and one core”. “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” The international friends expressed their admiration when they learned that, with its commitment to green development, BMC has become Beijing’s first national forest city in a plain area with a livable environment and signature events like the Beijing MC Marathon, Grand Canal International Sailing Regatta, Beijing Dragon Boat Race, and Infinite Music Festival.

“(This place) is just like my hometown, with rivers that are so clear and beautiful,” McGarry Miguel, Acting President of the Micronesia-China Friendship Association and Vice Speaker of the Pohnpei State Legislature commented. “Beijing is an amazing city that thrives year after year, serving as a model for the international community to learn about its scientific and technological innovation and development experiences.”

Witness Development

Tongzhou, located at the northern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is a key freight transportation hub, renowned for its “gathering of thousands of boats.” As the international friends cruised along the North Grand Canal, they enjoyed clear views of the buildings along the waterfront, including the Canal Business District, integrated transportation hub, and administrative office areas, as the vibrant landscape of the BMC unfolded before them.

“Every year brings new changes.” In recent years, annual investment in the BMC has exceeded 100 billion yuan, with major projects like the Universal Resort, the underground construction of part of the east section of the Sixth Ring Road, and the integrated transportation hub reaching significant milestones. A vibrant development picture can be seen everywhere, from extensive transportation networks and rows of corporate headquarters to the evolving urban skyline. This modern “millennial city” is growing rapidly.

“Every time I come to Beijing, I see new buildings, new technologies, and new characteristics this great city displays. New areas like the BMC not only showcase achievements in modernization and scientific and technological innovation but also reflect Beijing’s leadership in promoting green and sustainable development. It is an important window for the world to learn about China and for China to engage with the world,” said Danilo Türk, Former President of Slovenia, Former President of the World Leadership Alliance, and Member of the InterAction Council, after visiting the BMC.

At the Beijing “Two Zones” Reception Hall by the Grand Canal, the international friends learned in detail about BMC’s progress in planning and developing key industrial clusters in the digital economy, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, and business services by focusing on new quality productive forces and accelerating innovative development. They were all impressed by the integration of culture, tourism, commerce, and sports, as well as the development of the Canal Business District.

“In my view, this is ‘new Beijing’,” said Korn Dabbaransi, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association. He believes the BMC is a good example of Beijing’s development. “It showcases how the government has grown through science-based, forward-looking planning and effective management while improving citizens’ lives.”

Appreciate Culture

The Grand Canal has served as a significant cultural connection between different regions of China for centuries. In 2014, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List. Over the past decade, Beijing has been promoting the development of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt. Inspired by the Grand Canal, three major cultural facilities - the Beijing Performing Arts Center, Beijing Library, and Grand Canal Museum of Beijing - made their stunning debut by the end of 2023, quickly becoming BMC’s new cultural landmarks.

Surrounded by lush forests, the Beijing Performing Arts Center, Beijing Library, and Grand Canal Museum of Beijing are not only architectural masterpieces and cultural treasures, but also high-quality public cultural service providers easily accessible to residents. As the visitors said, “Behind the beautiful modern buildings and the lovely ecological environment, advanced technologies are everywhere.” “The urban landscape is captivating and impressive.” “Beijing has undergone profound changes; it is a window for the international community to learn from China.” While walking around these landmarks, they took photos and expressed their admiration.

This was the tenth visit to Beijing for Kgosi Puso Gaborone, President of the Botswana-China Friendship Association. He believes that people-to-people diplomacy plays a unique role, and organizing such visits is essential for strengthening cultural exchanges and building friendship between peoples. “Only by respecting each other’s cultures and the civilizations of different nations, enhancing mutual understanding, and learning about what each side thinks and does can we establish a deep friendship,” he said.

During their visit and interactions, the international friends experienced firsthand the new cooperation opportunities brought about by Beijing’s dynamic development. They also shared fresh perspectives on fostering national friendships and deepening people-to-people ties.

“We sincerely welcome friends and organizations from all countries to share in Beijing’s development opportunities, promote practical cooperation across various fields, and jointly achieve high-quality development and a better life.” This is a heartfelt invitation from Beijing.

(Edited based on reports from the Beijing Daily)