On the evening of October 21, the “Walking China: Reporting China – Overseas Chinese Media Tour of Henan” event kicked off in Kaifeng, an ancient city with a history spanning over 4,100 years. This initiative brought together 21 representatives from overseas Chinese-language media across 17 countries and regions.
During the opening ceremony, Ping Ping, the director of the Henan Provincial Government Information Office, highlighted the province’s significance. “Henan is not just an important population, economic, and cultural hub in China, but also a major source of Chinese civilization. The rich cultural heritage, advantageous geographical location, and dynamic development of Henan can be fully appreciated through this experience. We hope that representatives from the overseas Chinese media will immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of our province,” she stated while presenting a flag to the media representatives.
The mayor of Kaifeng, Xiao Wenxing, also shared his insights, noting the city’s proactive engagement with ecological protection and high-quality development opportunities in the Yellow River basin. He mentioned that the modern service industry, centered around culture and tourism, has been thriving, with the establishment of various open platforms such as a free trade zone and national cultural export bases. He believes that hosting this event in Kaifeng will help strengthen the city’s capabilities in international communication and promote cultural exchanges.
Huang Yaobai, an editor with China News Service, emphasized the agency’s long-standing relationship with overseas Chinese media, stating, “Together, we’ve contributed to telling China’s stories, promoting Chinese culture, and fostering international dialogue.” He expressed hope that the media representatives would leverage this opportunity to produce high-quality and distinctive news content, showcasing Henan’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant developments to audiences both domestically and internationally.
Over the next week, the overseas Chinese media will visit both Kaifeng and Zhengzhou, discovering the roots of Chinese civilization and cultural landmarks while also exploring significant national projects, experiencing new productivity forces, and witnessing the high-quality development of the region. This journey aims to reflect Henan’s achievements in preserving and innovating its traditional culture, as well as its efforts in modernizing in a uniquely Chinese way.
The “Overseas Chinese Media Tour” is a prominent initiative by China News Service aimed at engaging mainstream Chinese-language media worldwide. Since its inception in 2008, it has expanded its reach, allowing overseas Chinese media professionals to explore various provinces and cities across China, greatly enhancing regional visibility and influence.
This tour in Henan is co-hosted by China News Service, the Henan Provincial Government Information Office, and the World Chinese Media Cooperation Alliance, with support from China News Service’s Overseas Center, Henan Branch, and the municipal government offices of Zhengzhou and Kaifeng.