Recently, the "Hangzhou Through the Eyes of Diplomats" themed event was successfully held in Hangzhou. The event was jointly organized by the Hangzhou International Network Communication Center (HINCC), the School of Future Communication at Zhejiang Gongshang University, and the China-Africa Audiovisual Studio at Zhejiang University. Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to China, was invited as the keynote speaker. Focusing on key topics such as China-Africa people-to-people exchanges and the integrated development of culture and tourism, the event explored Hangzhou's current appeal as a high-quality international inbound tourism destination.

Cinematic Bridges: Ambassador Hodan Discusses Film and Television Cooperation and Mutual Trust

As a scholar and diplomat long dedicated to the study of China-Africa film and television culture, Ambassador Hodan shared her unique insights on cross-cultural communication during the event. She pointed out that film and television works serve as a warm and engaging window to project city images across borders. In-depth exchanges between China and Africa in these fields allow their peoples to perceive a realistic, modern, and multidimensional view of each other's societies. By forging connections through visual media, both sides can deepen mutual trust and inspire overseas audiences to visit China and Hangzhou. Through multi-dimensional presentations, the event aimed to project the image of Hangzhou and other historically rich Chinese cities to international audiences, providing a lasting cultural impetus for the inbound tourism market.

Tourism Integration: Ambassador Hodan Applauds Hangzhou's "Fusion of Ancient and Modern" Experience

As an iconic inbound tourism destination in China, Hangzhou boasts "golden cultural cards" representing classic Eastern aesthetics, such as West Lake and Longjing tea culture. Simultaneously, its development as a modern smart city has turned it into a globally recognized window of openness.

During the event, Ambassador Hodan spoke highly of Hangzhou's dual focus on "culture + technology" and shared her own experiences with smart tourism in the city. From smart human-computer interaction in hotels to contactless delivery robots, Hangzhou seamlessly integrates digital technology into daily travel scenarios. Ambassador Hodan noted that this safe, efficient, and smooth environment helps alleviate the sense of unfamiliarity that international tourists might feel, showcasing Hangzhou's warmth and inclusivity as an international metropolis.

Digital Ecosystem: Hangzhou's "Tech Card" Empowers International Communication

The thriving digital economy of Hangzhou was another key topic of discussion. Ambassador Hodan highlighted that from tech giants like Alibaba deepening their footprint in digital life, to DeepSeek, the leading AI company that has recently taken the global artificial intelligence sector by storm, Hangzhou's innovative DNA continues to elevate its global reputation and visibility. These milestone technological achievements have not only burnished Hangzhou's status as a hub of innovation but also attracted numerous international business, academic, and cultural exchange delegations, driving the high-quality and diversified development of its inbound tourism.

Conclusion

Hangzhou sent a positive message of openness, inclusivity, and innovation to the world through this event. As Ambassador Hodan envisioned, with the deepening of Sino-foreign cultural exchanges and the continuous empowerment of digital technology, Hangzhou will welcome global travelers with a more international, tech-forward, and warm-hearted approach, continuing to write its brilliant chapter by the West Lake as it fosters international cooperation.