As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) received a high-level delegation of the Austria-China Friendship Association, led by Austrian Federal Council President Markus Stotter, in Beijing. Facilitated by the BPAFFC, the 16-member delegation visited Mutianyu Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven from March 30 to 31, experiencing firsthand the unique charm of Beijing’s World Heritage sites and enhancing China-Austria friendship.
On the morning of March 30, the delegation visited Mutianyu Great Wall. Known by the saying “Among the Great Wall’s many sections, Mutianyu stands out in unique splendor,” the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of Beijing’s top 16 attractions. The delegation members hiked along the winding wall, gaining a detailed understanding of the Great Wall’s history, architectural features, and preservation achievements. They paused from time to time to gaze into the distance, expressing deep admiration for this world wonder. After they ascended to the top, officials from the Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area presented the delegation with commemorative certificates, and Stotter left an inscription.
On the afternoon of March 31, the delegation visited the Temple of Heaven. First built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is the world’s largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven. It was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1998. The delegation successively toured iconic structures including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Echo Wall. While appreciating the exquisite craftsmanship of architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, they listened attentively to explanations about China’s traditional customs of “revering heaven and honoring ancestors,” the simple yet profound belief of “harmony between humanity and nature,” and the cosmological view that described the world as having a round heaven and a square earth. The delegation members remarked that the tour was truly rewarding, saying that the majestic Temple of Heaven embodies the philosophical depth and architectural aesthetics of traditional Chinese culture.
The visit showcased the unique charm of Beijing’s rich history and local traditions, deepening the Austrian delegation’s understanding of the city’s history and culture. It built a bridge of exchanges for deepening mutual learning between civilizations and consolidating non-governmental friendship between China and Austria.
