Pakistan: Embassy of Pakistan in China hosts photo exhibition to promote bilateral tourism, with year 2023 a strong beginning

The Embassy of Pakistan in China hosted a photo exhibition titled "Pakistan in Frames: A Visual Journey by Chinese Tour Operators" in Beijing on September 3.

The impressive photo exhibition showcased the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Pakistan, captured by a group of Chinese tour operators who visited Islamabad, Taxila, and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2023, the year of China-Pakistan Tourism Exchanges.

The exhibition was centered around various themes, including Pakistan's Northern Splendor, Gandhara, and China-Pakistan friendship.

Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi expressed deep appreciation for the breathtaking photographs taken by the Chinese tour operators.

He noted that the photographs not only displayed Pakistan's striking beauty but also reflected the profound cultural and historical ties that enhance mutual understanding between the two countries. The ambassador emphasized that this exhibition symbolized the shared dreams and aspirations of the two peoples.

Professor Li Xiguang, director of the Pakistan Culture and Communication Center at Tsinghua University shared his experiences from his frequent travels to Pakistan, including Pakistan's role as the seat of ancient civilizations such as Gandhara and the Indus Valley.

The embassy has planned further activities to promote people-to-people exchanges, ties, and contact between the two friendly neighbors.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists to Pakistan had increased beyond 225,000 a year. The year 2023 saw Chinese tourists returning, as the two countries marked the China-Pakistan Year of Tourism Exchanges.

In her remarks on behalf of the group of tour operators, York Feng Yuting from Qyer.com shared her fond memories of Pakistan. She also highlighted Pakistan's tourism potential.

Since 2023, the outbound destination options for Chinese tourists have become more diversified, with Europe, North America, and Africa accounting for an increased proportion, while Asian countries still top the list, according to an industry report by the China Tourism Academy in early February.

Pakistan is one of the oldest ancient civilizations in history, dating back to 7,000 BC. The country is 1.5 times the size of France and is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea.