An expat tour of Jinhua kicked off in Pan'an county on June 25 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.
Thirty international friends from 18 countries, including South Africa, Russia, Italy, and Ukraine, spent two days visiting scenic villages and experiencing traditional culture in the county to better understand the practices and achievements made by Zhejiang in revitalizing rural areas and building a demonstration zone for common prosperity.
Gert Johannes Grobler, former senior diplomat at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said at the launch ceremony, "I immediately felt welcome in this open, friendly and livable city."
He added, "We as foreign guests are extremely grateful for this opportunity to learn and experience more about Jinhua, Zhejiang province and China with its remarkable culture and resilient people. Events like this contribute significantly to better mutual understanding and build solid friendships."
On June 25, these expats visited the Dapan Mountain Museum and Wushi village to learn about the development of Pan'an and the construction of a "beautiful countryside", and experienced tea culture at the Ancient Yushan Tea-making Farm.
On June 26, they toured the Ancestral Temple for the Kong Family and ancient residential buildings in Juxi village and tried their hands at tie-dyeing and other traditional folk customs.
They also shared their opinions on the great changes that have taken place in Jinhua during a meeting held on the same day.
Guo Zhongming, director of Jinhua's foreign affairs office, said that the Pan'an trip is the first stop of the expats' tour of Jinhua, and that the trip will present a comprehensive and authentic Jinhua to the world and help more international friends know the city better.
