The reporters visit the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]

A group of 21 journalists from major overseas media outlets recently visited Hangzhou to experience the city's cultural tourism upgrades, digital innovation and inbound travel convenience services firsthand.

Organized by the Americas Center of the China International Communications Group, the media tour focused on Hangzhou's blend of history, technology and user-friendly services for non-Chinese.

During the visit, journalists explored major cultural landmarks including the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, where they used VR technology to vicariously experience 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, as well as Deshou Palace and the city's Grand Canal historic neighborhoods.

Hangzhou's tech ecosystem was another major highlight. The journalists visited Ant Group to experience AI-powered payment systems and digital services, while exhibitions on Wensan Road showcased robotics and spatial intelligence technologies from companies including Unitree Robotics and Deep Robotics.

The media delegation also experienced Hangzhou's streamlined tax refund services for overseas visitors at Hangzhou Tower shopping mall, including one-tap digital tax refunds through Alipay.

Participants described Hangzhou as a city where history and innovation coexist, praising both its cultural depth and efficient services for international travelers. Reports from the tour will be published across hundreds of overseas media platforms, helping further boost Hangzhou's global tourism profile.

A reporter shakes hands with a humanoid robot developed by Unitree Robotics. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]