UNESCO World Heritage Photo Exhibition in Chongqing Promotes Sino-German Cultural Exchange

Chongqing - On July 26, the "2024 Chongqing Meets Germany" event occurred at the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism International Exchange Center (Cableway Museum). The event highlighted the beauty of world heritage sites in Germany and Chongqing and offered valuable insights into visa applications.

On July 26, the "2024 Chongqing Meets Germany - Tourism and Visa Application Sharing Session and Germany-Chongqing UNESCO World Heritage Photo Exhibition" was held at the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism International Exchange Center (Photo/The event organizer)

Exploring Chongqing and Germany through photos

In the afternoon, the Germany-Chongqing UNESCO World Heritage Photo Exhibition officially opened. Julian Lasinger, Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate in Chengdu, highlighted Germany's economic strength, corporate culture, diverse customs, traditions, and historical heritage. He warmly invited Chongqing residents to visit Germany and experience its rich natural and historical treasures.

Zhu Mao, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, emphasized the city's rich cultural tourism resources. He discussed Chongqing's history, culture, nature, cuisine, and openness, showcasing its vital role in national and regional development and international cooperation. Zhu also acknowledged the longstanding friendship between Chongqing and Germany, expressing strong approval and high regard for the event.

Following Zhu's speech, the event kicked off with captivating images from Germany and Chongqing, showcasing the unique charm of both places. Julian Lasinger and Cui Jie, Director of the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism International Exchange Center, guided guests through a visual journey of the world heritage sites.

On July 26, the "2024 Chongqing Meets Germany - Tourism and Visa Application Sharing Session and Germany-Chongqing UNESCO World Heritage Photo Exhibition" was held at the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism International Exchange Center (Photo/The event organizer)

Sharing session on Tourism and visa applications

During the tourism and visa application sharing session, Li Zhaohui, Chief Representative of the German National Tourist Board's Beijing Office, provided a comprehensive overview of Germany's tourism resources.

Elena Arlt, Head of the Visa Section at the German Consulate General in Chengdu, discussed visa requirements for traveling to Germany. Meanwhile, Officer Zhong Qian from the Foreign Affairs Division of the Chongqing Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration offered detailed information about outbound visa procedures, providing valuable advice for those planning trips to Germany.

That evening, a live-streamed session on German tourism and visa inquiries brought online fans into direct contact with Germany. Li Zhaohui and Elena Arlt discussed topics ranging from cars, football, beer, and museums to cities like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Dresden, vividly illustrating Germany's culture and premier travel routes. Three rounds of prize draws added excitement to the livestream.

Li Zhaohui, Chief Representative of the German National Tourist Board's Beijing Office, provided an in-depth overview of Germany's tourism resources. (Photo/The event organizer)

Advancing Sino-German cooperation 

In April of this year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited China, choosing Chongqing as his first stop. At a joint venture plant of Bosch Group and Qingling Motors, he tightened the final screw on a pre-installed hydrogen power module, giving a thumbs up. In this 8D magic city, Scholz witnessed impressive industrial development and economic cooperation potential.

"This is my first time visiting a Chinese city other than Shanghai and Beijing, and Chongqing's architecture and cuisine are truly distinctive," said Chancellor Scholz after a City Walk tour of Chongqing. It is foreseeable that Chongqing will occupy a significant place in the future cooperation between China and Germany.

Chongqing and Düsseldorf have been sister cities since July 22, 2004, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of their friendship. The China-Europe Railway Express continues to operate, symbolizing the enduring bond between Chongqing and Düsseldorf and promising new avenues for collaboration and shared success in the future.

Recently, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has sparked a wave of interest in Chinese travel. Since December 1, 2019, Chongqing has implemented this policy, allowing eligible foreigners to stay in the entire Chongqing administrative region. To qualify, foreigners must enter through Chongqing's airport, possess a valid international travel document, and present confirmed onward tickets to a third country (or region) within 144 hours of arrival. They must apply for a temporary entry permit from Chongqing's exit-entry border inspection authority and complete accommodation registration within 24 hours of entry. Notably, China currently offers unilateral visa-free entry for citizens from 15 countries, including Germany and France, allowing a stay of up to 15 days.

The event was organized by the German Consulate General in Chengdu, the German National Tourist Board's Beijing Office, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, and the Chongqing Public Security Bureau. It was co-organized by the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism International Exchange Center and the Western China International Communication Organization.