This past summer, “China Cool” emerged as a new global travel buzzword, and at the 24th Washington Chinese Culture Festival held in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Aug. 29, “China Cool” was on full display.

At the event, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng extended a warm invitation to Americans hoping to experience the rich culture of China, and said that this year is a significant year for China-U.S. relations.

“Here, you can experience the depth and richness of a civilization spanning five thousand years. From oracle bone inscriptions to the Dunhuang murals; from the camel bells of the ancient Silk Road to the sails of Zheng He’s treasure fleets, Chinese civilization carries the spirit of a nation, the weight of history, and a long tradition of exchange between civilization,” Xie said in his remarks.

Extending his warm congratulations on the Festival, Xie expressed his sincere thanks to the D.C. government for its strong support, and his deep appreciation to the Chinese community organizations, community members, and friends from all walks of life that made the event possible.

“Today, you can also feel the pulse of an innovative and dynamic China. For 11 consecutive years, China has ranked first globally in new energy vehicle production and sales. Its open-source and collaborative approach to artificial intelligence is helping expand access to new technologies. A trillion-yuan low-altitude economy is taking shape, while humanoid robot competitions present rapid advances in this field.” Xie said.  “Today, you can also experience a China that is open, confident, and welcoming. China now offers unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of 50 countries, and 240-hour visa-free transit to travelers from 57 countries, including the United States. A spontaneous trip to China is becoming a reality.”

Addressing the Washington Chinese Culture Festival attendees, Xie said that “As China opens up wider, it is making more friends around the world. We hope many more Americans will visit China, experience the country firsthand, share what you see and experience with others and bring our two peoples closer. As President Xi has said, the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, the foundation in our societies, the future in the youth, and the vitality at the local level. His initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China in five years reached the target two and a half years ahead of schedule. Young people on both sides are becoming a stronger force for friendship between our two countries.”

Xie stressed the importance of building more bridges for people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which he said will “strengthen the public foundation for a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.”

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