At the invitation of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a five-member delegation of European legislators paid a visit to China from September 9 to 17 to attend the 2025 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges. The delegation was composed of Edin Djerlek, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Serbia, George Vrettakos, Member of the Hellenic Parliament, and Ettore Riccardi, Member of the Italian Parliament, among others. Entrusted by the CPAFFC, the BPAFFC arranged a cultural tour to Beijing’s landmarks for the delegation. They visited the magnificent Juyongguan Great Wall in Changping District and explored time-honored brands on Qianmen Street of Dongcheng District, getting a taste of the diverse elements of Beijing’s culture.
Juyongguan Great Wall: Appreciating the splendid and profound Great Wall culture
At the Juyongguan Great Wall, the delegation ascended the stone steps and marveled at the distant view of the renowned “First Pass under Heaven.” They toured auxiliary structures including the barbican, defensive towers, and water gates, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich history, architectural ingenuity, and military defense system of the Great Wall. Before the famous monument inscribed with Chairman Mao Zedong’s phrase “A man who has never been to the Great Wall shall not be considered as a hero,” they paused for a group photograph. They praised the Great Wall as a “wall of peace” and a “corridor of exchanges.”
Qianmen Street: Experiencing the charm of local life
As street lights were beginning to come on, the guests strolled into Qianmen Street in Dongcheng District. Their first stop was Da Bei Photo Studio. At the entrance, they were immediately drawn by the floral-pendant gate typical of traditional courtyards, along with the old photos displayed in the foyer. The precious images, capturing pivotal moments in the history of the People’s Republic of China, offered them a window into the country’s journey of development. They viewed the photographic devices collected by Da Bei Photo Studio in the course of more than a century, and also took a group photo at the studio, creating a cherished memento of their visit.
Then, the guests boarded a retro “Dangdang Car” modeled after Beijing’s first tram, and rode through the brilliantly lit Qianmen Street. Looking out the window, they saw the Zhengyang Gate illuminated spectacularly against the night sky. Popular restaurants like Quanjude, Donglaishun, Duyichu, and Liubiju were bustling with customers. The myriad of silk shops, jewelry stores, and creative cultural shops appeared stunning and inviting. The guests also found a variety of traditional Beijing snacks such as Lvdagun (glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean flour), Bao Dur (quick-fried tripe), and Tanghulu (sugar-coated hawthorns on a stick). The locals enjoyed their evening leisurely on this street blending traditional charm and modern vibrancy, savoring the lively atmosphere.
The last stop was Wu Yutai Tea House, where the guests learned about the production process of various types of tea, including green tea, scented tea, and black tea. They enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony, took a sip of Beijing jasmine tea, and sampled an assortment of tea snacks. They also tried their hand at making freshly-ground matcha. They were all deeply impressed by the tea culture blending tradition and innovation.
This visit stood as a vivid example of the BPAFFC’s efforts to build bridges for cultural exchanges and promote people-to-people friendship between China and Europe. Through a well-planned itinerary, it presented the delegation with a true, multidimensional, and appealing Beijing with unique historical and contemporary features.
