How Ancient Beijing Remain Dynamic? Influencers From Silk Road Countries Experience Changes of Beijing

On August 24, a group of foreign influencers participating in the 2023 Silk Road Rediscovery Tour of Beijing visited the New Actuation Fintech Center, the first stop of that day. Ioan Budura (Luo Yang in Chinese), formerly the Editor-in-Chief of the Department of Culture, Radio Romania, and a famous sinologist commented on the old photos that without them he would not be able to connect the present New Actuation Fintech Center with the Beijing Zoo clothing wholesale market of hustle and bustle.

Influencers from Silk Road countries enjoy the café service at the New Actuation Fintech Center. [Photo by Li Xiaogang]

Their next stop was Beijing Xuannan Culture Museum where they watched the immersive live drama The Past Scholars of Xuannan[1] . Guvanch Soyunov, Director of "Altyn Asyr" (Golden Age), a state-owned TV channel of Turkmenistan, and the Head of the Department of Actors and Actresses of "Altyn Asyr", liked very much the novel way that performers reproduce the history and culture of the old Beijing, reserving the beauty of the traditional culture.

Influencers from Silk Road countries take a group photo with the performers of the Past Scholars of Xuannan. [Photo byLi Xiaogang]

The site of Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone used to hold general manufacturing factories, which needed to be transformed to suit the capital's strategic orientation, and the aging factory facilities may bring certain safety risks. Now the demonstration zone has been introducing high-grade, precise and advanced industrial projects to establish an energy sci-tech and innovation hub in the southern area. The influencers noted that they have seen Beijing's unremitting efforts in developing hydrogen energy, and its leading position in hydrogen development with huge progress through this tour.

Influencers from Silk Road countries learn about the conversion of hydrogen energy by devices. [Photo by Li Xiaogang]

At Tongrentang Zhima Health No.0 Store, the visitors were impressed by the long history of the traditional Chinese pharmacy Tongrentang. The hybrid products like Chinese wolfberry latte and traditional Chinese medicine with coffee held the tasters in awe.

Ali Abdullah H. Alshammari, Editorial Director of the News Channel of Saudi Broadcasting Authority, was quite interested in learning about the long history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). He had a try on the food and drinks developed by using TCM knowledge. He praised that Tongrentang has never ceased to pursue progress and develop itself with a modern vision.

Influencers from Silk Road countries learn to make fragrant sachets at Tongrentang Zhima Health No.0 Store. [Photo byLi Xiaogang]