Diplomats Experience Lantern Festival Charm in Mentougou, Beijing

Diplomats from over 66 countries gathered in Mentougou District, Beijing, for the event “China in the Eyes of Diplomats: Celebrate Lantern Festival in Poetic and Picturesque Mentougou” on February 23, 2024. This gathering, held one day before the Lantern Festival, attracted nearly 200 diplomats and their families, representing a diverse array of nations and international organizations.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Li Li, director-general of the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, emphasized the significance of the Spring Festival as China’s most grand traditional holiday, serving as a prime opportunity to showcase Chinese culture. He highlighted China’s commitment not only to its own development but also to global engagement, with Mentougou’s integration into Beijing’s high-quality development framework reflecting a new phase of green development transition. The event aimed to offer diplomats a platform to deepen their understanding of China and gain genuine insights into the development and transformations occurring in Mentougou. 

At the garden party, diplomats were captivated by traditional cultural displays, including handicrafts, lantern-making, and folk art performances. They immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, experiencing the charm of Chinese traditions and the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Activities such as solving lantern riddles, making panda-shaped lanterns and enjoying contemporary art exhibitions, left a profound impression on the diplomats, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and dynamic development of Mentougou. 

Hosted by the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions in collaboration with the Information Office and Foreign Affairs Office of the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, this event provided diplomats with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and witness firsthand the beauty of Mentougou’s cultural, ecological, and developmental landscape, truly encapsulating the essence of the Lantern Festival in western Beijing.