Hangzhou Poised to Embrace the World – An Interview with Hangzhou Tourism Commission Director Li Hong
China Today, February 8, 2017 Adjust font size:
An aerial view of the Thousand-islet Lake in Chun’an. Lin Anqi
Third, hosting the G20 Summit has also expedited infrastructure construction including airport, subways, and roads. All the scenic spots were remodeled, streetscapes were further beautified, and more attention was also attached to ecological restoration. These efforts have improved the city’s overall environment, thus laying a foundation to build it into an international sightseeing and leisure center.
Last but not least, the summit showcased Hangzhou people’s high humanistic quality. They are friendly and amiable, valuing tradition and laws, which is a true reflection of a city’s heartbeat. Meanwhile, via the summit, people’s sense of pride, belonging, and honor as citizens of Hangzhou has been enhanced. All these undoubtedly contribute to the city’s development and its tourist industry.
CT: Hangzhou saw the intersection of the Silk Road and maritime silk routes in ancient times. What benefits and challenges is the Belt and Road Initiative bringing to the city’s tourist industry?
Li: Hangzhou was an important node of the Silk Road. More than 1,000 years ago Marco Polo set foot here using both the land and maritime silk roads. Silk, tea, and porcelain produced here were once transported across the world through the ancient commercial routes.
Now, Hangzhou is proactively integrated into the Belt and Road Initiative. Taking advantage of the country’s strategic promotion of the Initiative, Hangzhou has set a new model for marketing the city as a global tourist destination.
In the first half of 2015, we started the “Global Tour 2015” campaign of revisiting the ancient Silk Road. The 30-day tour, organized by Hangzhou’s tourism ambassadors, traversed the Eurasian Continent and the United States, and greatly promoted Hangzhou’s culture. The most appealing part of Hangzhou doesn’t lie in its identity as the host of the G20 Summit, but its cultural attractions as the capital of silk.