BEIJING, Oct 29: International journalists, experts and social media influencers explored Guangdong’s technological achievements, ecological conservation initiatives and traditional Chinese medicine culture during the 2026 “A Date with China · Meet Guangdong” international media tour.
The tour kicked off in Shenzhen, South China’s Guangdong province last week, bringing together foreign guests and Chinese reporters to experience the region’s development and cultural appeal firsthand.
The initiative aims to present Guangdong to international audiences through a youth-focused, integrated and internationally oriented media approach.
The participants visited the AI Valley in Nanshan district of Shenzhen, where they explored the city’s scientific and technological innovations and learned about developments in artificial intelligence. The visit offered the international guests a glimpse into Shenzhen’s growing innovation ecosystem and its role in advancing emerging technologies.
The delegation visited Futian Mangrove Ecological Park to learn about China’s mangrove conservation efforts and observe local initiatives to protect and restore coastal ecosystems.
During the visit, experts introduced the ecological significance of mangroves, a unique ecosystem at the intersection of land and sea. Their extensive root systems help trap sediments and stabilize coastal areas, while their dense yet flexible branches and trunks dissipate wave energy, helping protect shorelines from erosion and wave damage.
Although China accounts for only about 0.2 percent of the world’s mangrove forests, it has continued to strengthen efforts to conserve and restore these valuable ecosystems. The country has also expressed its willingness to share its experience and expertise in mangrove protection with the international community.
Guangdong plays a significant role in China’s mangrove conservation efforts. The province is home to the country’s largest mangrove area, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the national total.
Under China’s 2020-2025 national mangrove protection and restoration plan, Guangdong was assigned targets to establish 5,500 hectares of new mangrove forests and rehabilitate 2,500 hectares of degraded forests, underscoring its importance in the country’s coastal ecological restoration efforts.
The tour also took participants to Zhuhai, where international guests learned about traditional Chinese medicine culture. The visit provided an opportunity to explore an important aspect of China’s traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
Through visits spanning artificial intelligence, environmental protection and traditional Chinese medicine, the “A Date with China · Meet Guangdong” international media tour seeks to offer participants a broader understanding of the province’s achievements, natural environment and cultural traditions.
The program also provides a platform for cross-cultural exchange, enabling international media representatives and young participants to share their observations of Guangdong with audiences around the world.
