BPAFFC Co-hosts 25th “Imperial Garden Cup” Walking Around Kunming Lake for International Friends in the Summer Palace

As autumn drapes Western Beijing in vibrant colors, the lakes and hills create a picturesque scene. On the afternoon of October 25, the 25th “Imperial Garden Cup” Walking Around Kunming Lake for International Friends was held in the Summer Palace. Under the guidance of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), this event was co-hosted by institutions including the BPAFFC and the Haidian District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality.

Representatives who participated in the walking event included Honorary President Zhang Fusen, Party Secretary Wang Yu and Vice President Wu Bing of the BPAFFC; Huang Xiaowei, Deputy Director-General of the Asian-African Affairs Department of the CPAFFC; and Shi Fenghua, Deputy Director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, who were joined by Hu Yixiong, Director of the Beijing Overseas Talents Center; Yang Hua, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks; Yang Hailin, Deputy District Mayor of the Haidian District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality; Xie Yu, Chief of the Overseas Promotion Division of the Publicity Department of Beijing Municipality; Li Weihua, Executive Vice President of the Haidian District People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries of Beijing Municipality; and Lv Gaoqiang, Deputy Director of the Summer Palace. Jiao Yutong, Vice President of the BPAFFC, moderated the event.

Over 300 foreign nationals including diplomats in China, foreign experts, and international students gathered by the Kunming Lake to participate in the 25th year of the event. The participants came from over 50 countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil.

The park was beautiful with clear skies and fresh air in the afternoon. International students from Beijing-based universities enlivened the scene with their distinctive performances at the opening ceremony. As soon as Zhang Fusen struck the drum to signal the start, the participants set off on an eight-kilometer walk around the lake.

“Seeing the familiar lake and hills and the smiling faces of international friends, I feel super excited,” said Wang Yu. Over the past 25 years, the “Imperial Garden Cup” Walking Around Kunming Lake for International Friends has become Beijing’s signature event of international cultural exchanges. “Organizing an event isn’t that hard—what’s hard is to keep it going for 25 years. Walking alone isn’t hard—what’s hard is walking together as a group, for 25 years.”

Miguel Humberto Lecaro Barcenas, Ambassador of Panama to China, took part in the event for the first time. “I really enjoyed the day not only because of the long history and beautiful scenery here, but also because I got to stroll alongside a group of like-minded friends,” he remarked.

One highlight of this year’s event was the newly established international culture and technology exhibition booths. A number of foreign embassies in China and Haidian-based enterprises showcased their featured exhibits, enabling Chinese and international friends to experience diverse cultures and cutting-edge technologies up close.

The past 25 years have witnessed an ever-growing friendship. This year, the walking event has brought culture and technology together, displaying the mutual reinforcement of cultural exchanges and urban development. “In the future, whether you’re seeking business opportunities or cultural connections, you are always welcome to come and ‘take a walk’ with us, to strengthen the bonds of friendship through practical cooperation,” said Wang Yu.

Since its inception in 2001, the well-received autumn walking event has served as an important bridge connecting international friends in Beijing, and injected sustained impetus into Beijing’s role as the center for international exchanges.