The “Foreign Journalists Visit Beijing - Promotion of Fengtai District” on September 29 drew a total of 56 journalists from 51 countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Jamaica. During the one-day event, they visited various locations such as Leeza SOHO, Fengtai Innovation Center, Nanyuan Forest and Wetland Park, and Beijing Garden Expo Park, and toured multiple enterprises including Traffic Control Technology, Zhi-Tech Group, and Eve Group, experiencing the livable and business-friendly environment of Fengtai District and its dynamic integration of technological innovation and economic development.

First Stop: Leeza SOHO

The foreign journalists began their visit at Leeza SOHO, the iconic building in the Lize Financial Business District. Boasting the world’s tallest atrium (200-meter-high) and featuring lines inspired by the DNA double helix, the structure exudes an air of technology and futurism, forming an artwork that transcends time and space. The journalists were captivated by its design and captured photos from popular viewpoints one after another.

“I am impressed by this tower. It is said that a city terminal will be built here, enabling a 20-minute trip to Beijing Daxing International Airport. I believe that convenient transportation will boost business development in this area,” said Jonathan Tinarwo Marerwa, a journalist from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. Guilherme, a journalist from Brasil 247, remarked, “The facilities in the SOHO building are very modernized. I shared photos on my Instagram Stories, and my followers left comments saying they really liked them.” The Lize Financial Business District is now home to 1,200 enterprises, entering a “harvest period” of high-quality development. Here, traditional financial businesses such as banking, securities, and insurance are integrating with emerging financial technologies, creating a diversified and innovative financial ecosystem.

Second Stop: Nanyuan Forest and Wetland Park

Standing atop Feiyan Terrace and overlooking the city of Beijing, foreign journalists immersed themselves in the vibrant natural beauty of Fengtai at Nanyuan Forest and Wetland Park, known as the “green lung” of southern Beijing. As a key ecological area in the capital’s southern region, the wetland park will feature a high-quality biodiversity demonstration zone spanning approximately 2.2 million square meters. By next spring, this park is expected to revive the famous scene of the Nanyuan area, characterized by “swallows flying over ponds and rippling lakes”, celebrating the harmonious coexistence of all creatures.

Amidst the stunning scenery, journalists from Latin America danced on the spot and recorded videos. Dara, a journalist from Bolivia’s El Tiempo, said, “I deeply admire the public management of Fengtai District. While accelerating technological innovation and modernization, Fengtai also places great importance on environmental protection and continuously improves ecological projects like the wetland park, setting an exemplary model for cities around the world.”

Third Stop: Traffic Control Technology

At Traffic Control Technology, foreign journalists explored various scenarios such as smart stations and intelligent trains, and visited the National Engineering Research Center of Rail Transportation Operation and Control System. Through the tour, the journalists gained insights into how the company has overcome key technological challenges to emerge as a pacesetter in autonomous technology for urban rail signaling systems in China.

Gavin, a journalist from Jamaica’s Our Today, stated, “What impressed me most today was the visit to the Traffic Control Technology. The complexity of intelligent subway control and the comprehensive emergency response plans were truly eye-opening. I believe these technologies can be successfully applied in Kingston and the wider Caribbean, where traffic congestion is a significant challenge. I look forward to sharing everything I’ve seen here with readers of Our Today in my homeland and the Caribbean.”

Fourth Stop: Zhi-Tech Group

At Zhi-Tech Group, foreign journalists toured the digital exhibition hall, employee service center, and MOC studio, among other areas. Starting with overseas shopping business, Zhi-Tech Group has now developed three major business segments, including consumer content, marketing services, and consumption data. Many journalists gathered around the group’s leader for interviews, while some even began live streaming on-site.

Nigel, from Dominica’s Government Information Service (GIS), remarked, “This is a company focusing on the consumer industry, aiming to foster greater synergy between industry, academia, research, and application. I believe that Zhi-Tech Group has the potential to build even stronger relationships with consumers.”

Fifth Stop: Fengtai Innovation Center

At the Fengtai Innovation Center, Gao Zhiqing, Deputy Mayor of Fengtai District, gave a special presentation highlighting the district’s history, culture, transportation advantages, and ecological environment. An official from the Investment Promotion Service Center of Fengtai District shared the district’s work in attracting investment and improving business environment, and interacted with foreign journalists on how to facilitate practical exchanges and cooperation.

Alfred, a journalist from Burundi’s Le Renouveau, commented, “I admire the innovation vitality of Fengtai District’s enterprises and the robust momentum of modernization and development here, where many favorable policies give enterprises strong support in ‘going global’ and ‘bringing in’.” Afework, a journalist from Ethiopia’s Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC), added, “Our interaction with relevant officials during the promotion was impressive. I believe my country, Ethiopia, along with other African nations, can work together with China for common development.”

Sixth Stop: Beijing Garden Expo Park

At the Eve Castle in Beijing Garden Expo Park, foreign journalists captured snaps at wedding photo spots, immersing themselves in the romance and elegance of the venue. They explored “Eve Digital Intelligence”, a digital platform in the clothing industry, to learn about integrated services across the supply chain, including design, ordering, and production. “The digital transformation of the clothing industry sounds complex, but today’s visit allowed me to understand the strengths and allure of technology-enabled development,” said a journalist.

Despite the rain, foreign journalists enjoyed the lantern show in the Beijing Garden Expo Park. Jonathan Tinarwo Marerwa from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation remarked, “The lantern show is the cherry on top of our visit to Fengtai District today. Even though it’s raining, the traditional Chinese elements in the show are incredibly captivating.”

This edition of “Foreign Journalists Visit Beijing” was jointly organized by the Office of Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and Fengtai District. The aim is to highlight the capital’s development in the new era and promote its international image. Combining field visits and immersive experiences, the event allows foreign journalists to experience firsthand Beijing’s investment environment and opportunities, further enhancing international exchange and cooperation and better presenting the stories of China and Beijing.