On May 29, the “Foreign Journalists Visit Beijing 2024 – Dongcheng District Special Event” was held. A total of 60 journalists from 55 countries, including Hungary, India, Malaysia, Cameroon, and Nigeria, visited the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub Economic Functional Zone, Zhongguancun BBMG Global Trade Technology and Business Zone, Longfusi Street, and Drum Tower, gaining a deep insight into the district’s fascinating history and culture, as well as its latest progress in high-quality development.
At the Longfu Cultural Center, a district official presented an overview of the district’s socio-economic progress. Impressed by Dongcheng’s efficient industrial clusters and its excellent and friendly business environment, the journalists expressed their willingness to leverage their media channels to promote the district and help it connect with global partners.
The district is charting a new course in developing industrial clusters that are located around rail transit stations and equipped with Class A office buildings, star-rated hotels, large-scale commercial facilities, and serviced apartments. So far, eight such multi-functional clusters have been built, offering a wide range of services to support a sound work-life balance.
At the Xinda Center of the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub, a broadcast journalist from the Tonga Broadcasting Commission was impressed by the promising outlook of the “emerging finance plus digital technology” cluster. “The development of Dongcheng District is a microcosm of the soaring Chinese economy. From vibrant sci-tech parks to bustling financial zones, every corner radiates with the vitality of innovation and entrepreneurship. This, coupled with its rich history and culture, makes the district a powerful magnet for global investors.”
With culture as the anchor, the financial industry as the engine, and the digital economy as the priority, Dongcheng District has fostered new strengths in industrial competition. At Mogo.ai’s showroom in the Zhongguancun BBMG Global Trade Technology and Business Zone, new intelligent transportation technologies such as autonomous driving, vehicle-infrastructure coordination, and AI cloud have captured the attention of the journalists.
“Everything is impressive, from witnessing the adoption of cutting-edge technology to engaging with passionate innovators. The visit allows us to see the ambitious visions of high-tech companies like Mogo.ai and deepens our understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. We are inspired to rethink more possibilities of the future of transportation,” said David S. Menjor, reporter at Liberia’s Daily Observer Newspaper.
The rich historical and cultural heritage is the crown jewel of Dongcheng District. While admiring the Forbidden City, the Western Hills, and the CBD from the traditional courtyard with red walls and golden tiles in the Longfu Cultural Center, the journalists appreciated the harmonious blend of the capital’s antiquity and modern charm, and saw how the historical and cultural streets have gained new vitality through preservation and inheritance. They learned about the profound history of the city’s central axis while ascending the Drum Tower, and visiting the bilingual exhibition “The Story of Time” and the cultural exhibition of the central axis. They were also invited to a drumming performance that showcased the ancient Chinese people’s reverence for heaven and earth, and the enduring time-telling culture.
“This trip is a real eye-opener,” praised a reporter for Pakistan’s Hum TV, “I am fascinated by the extensive history and vibrant culture here. From the majestic Drum Tower to the bustling streets and lively hutongs, every corner has its history. I cannot wait to share what I have seen and heard with my audience back home.”
The event was co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Dongcheng District People’s Government. To attract more investment this year, the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office has been promoting Beijing’s investment environment and opportunities to foreign journalists. The visit to Dongcheng District marks the third edition of the “Foreign Journalists Visit Beijing” series in 2024. Taking this opportunity, Dongcheng District will introduce multi-pronged initiatives to attract investment, share more about its unique location and investment environment, and promote international exchanges and cooperation with greater efforts.
