The first “Chinese Culture Tour for Diplomats” jointly organized by China Public Diplomacy Association and the People’s Government of Henan Province took place in Henan Province from 25th to 27th, April. H.E. Mr. Li Zhaoxing led the team consisting of 18 foreign diplomats from 14 countries including Ambassadors of Timor-Leste, Peru, Singapore and Switzerland. Governor of Henan Province, Xie Fuzhan attended the welcome reception and introduced economic and social development of Henan Province.

　 　It is not by chance that Henan could be the first stop of “Chinese Culture Tour for Diplomats”. Li Zhaoxing, President of the CPDA, said at the welcome reception, “To know China of last 30 years, go to Shenzhen; to know China of last 100 years, go to Shanghai; to know China of last 1000 years, go to Beijing; to know China of last 3000 years, go to Xi’an and to know China of more than 5000 years, go to Henan, go to Zhengzhou! Henan, as the central plain of China, is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and the core region of Chinese history. Henan has always been a place of great military importance since ancient times. It is said in the ancient time that the one who conquered central plain would conquer China.” To know the origin of Chinese history and civilization in a holistic way, Henan could not be missed.

　　The itinerary covers visits to famous cultural relics such as Henan Museum, Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple and modern facilities such as Zhengzhou Airport Experimental Zone and the second construction phase of Xinzheng International Airport. The rich variety of activities showed profound central plain culture, fast growth and huge potential of Henan Province.

　　“Splendid Central China Culture and Modern Henan Development” Forum was held alongside the tour. Ambassador of Singapore, Loh Ka Leung, Minister Counsellor and DHOM Spain, Marta Betanzos, Counsellor of Italy, Giuseppe RAO, Former Ambassador to Belgium, Zhang Yuanyuan, and lead researcher in Henan Academy of Social Sciences and head of Central China Culture Research Institute, Wei Shaosheng made keynote speeches themed by culture and development, which manifested the successful ending of the tour.

　　“Chinese Culture Tour for Diplomats” will be held every half year with visit to one famous cultural heritage each tour and on-spot cultural forum alongside. The activity is projected to help foreign diplomats better understand China as well as to help regions lift their international awareness.

　　　　The CPDA invited Xinhua News Agency, CRI, China Economic Net and People’s Daily to cover this tour.