Zhouzhi: Create a 'World Living Room' Through Ecology and Culture

From October 20 to 21, the spouses of ambassadors from 13 countries visited Zhouzhi County, Xi'an, for a two-day cultural exploration themed "A Date with Zhouzhi to Experience the Qinling Mountains".

At the Qinling Four Rare Animals Science Park, the group was captivated by adorable Qizai, the world's only brown giant panda protected in a natural reserve. It attracted widespread attention and fostered cross-cultural connections. Mrs. Hoang Ha Phan, the spouse of the Belgian ambassador to China, remarked warmly, "These cute animals are not only natural treasures but also friendly messengers of goodwill that connect the hearts of people worldwide."

The visit continued at Gulou Temple, the cradle of Taoist culture in the Zhongnan Mountains, offering the spouses of the ambassadors to China a deep cultural experience. Mrs. Clare Georgia Mariner, the spouse of the Samoan ambassador to China, said, "The essence of Taoist culture is to establish a harmonious relationship with nature — understanding, loving, and living in balance with it."

Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve has been recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List. Building on this strong foundation of ecological protection, the rich biodiversity of Qinling National Botanical Garden left a deep impression on Mrs. Lerzan Kayıhan Ünal, the spouse of Türkiye's ambassador to China, who praised, "The ecological protection here is excellent, demonstrating China's respect and care for nature."

During their visit to the kiwifruit orchard in Zhouyi Village, the spouses of ambassadors to China sampled the region's famed kiwifruit, known locally as the "golden fruit" of the northern Qinling foothills. Beyond its sweet flavor, this small fruit symbolizes a successful model of industrial revitalization driving rural development.

Zhouyuan Road, known as the most beautiful mountain road around the Qinling Mountains, seamlessly blends natural scenery with cultural features. The spouses of the ambassadors to China shared their experiences in Zhouzhi, expressing hopes for increased cooperation with Zhouzhi in the future to raise the beautiful county's profile nationally and internationally.