Chinese Embassy Open Day Showcases Gansu Province and Vision for Global Cooperation

The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. opened its gates to the public this weekend for its annual Open Day, drawing more than 10,000 guests to an immersive celebration of culture, diplomacy, and international dialogue.

This year’s featured province was Gansu, a region in northwest China known for its pivotal role in Chinese history, its transformation through poverty alleviation, and its strategic place on the ancient Silk Road.

Ambassador Xie Feng delivered a keynote speech on Saturday, May 3, titled “A Certain China in an Uncertain World,” where he emphasized the importance of openness and cooperation in an era marked by global uncertainty and economic fragmentation.

“Dear friends, history shows that openness brings progress, while isolation leads to stagnation,” said Xie. “In today’s global economy, no country can thrive alone. Trade is not a zero-sum game. Building barriers only blocks the flow of shared growth.”

Gansu, once one of China’s poorest provinces, has seen sweeping development in recent years. With more than 5.5 million people lifted out of poverty and digital infrastructure expanding across its vast terrain, Gansu is now a symbol of China’s self-reliance and resilience.

The historical significance of Gansu was also front and center.

“Stretching over 1,600 km through Gansu, the ancient Silk Road once carried merchants and monks across continents,” said Ambassador Xie.

The event did not shy away from addressing current geopolitical tensions, particularly around trade policy. Xie criticized the use of tariffs as tools of economic pressure.

“Tariff hikes benefit no one. They disrupt businesses, raise costs, rattle financial markets, and slow down global growth,” he said. “The tariff war was not launched by China. We don't want to fight, neither are we intimidated.”

Throughout the day, visitors explored “Digital Dunhuang,” a virtual exhibit showcasing ancient Buddhist grottoes, while others lined up for hands-on experiences with traditional Chinese medicine, calligraphy, and modern tech innovation. Officials from Maryland, the World Bank, and numerous embassies attended, underscoring the event’s diplomatic reach.

As the day concluded, Ambassador Xie reaffirmed China’s long-term commitment to high-quality development, global engagement, and mutual respect in international relations.

“China’s door to the world will only open wider,” he said.

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