China showcases paradise city at ATM

Over 180 participants are attending the show this week at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the Hangzhou tourism and economic delegation.

"We are here to promote Hangzhou as an 'Oriental capital of Leisure', a time-honoured cultural city famed for its tea, silk and beautiful scenery. Hangzhou is a modern, diversified city, which offers many business opportunities," said Li Hong, Director of Hangzhou Tourism Commission.

The Hangzhou delegation to Dubai follows a recent visit to China by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who visiting the country with an aim of increasing bilateral trade.

China is fast becoming a tourism hot spot as the country opens up to visitors. In 2007, China welcomed more than 132 million international visitors, an increase of over 5% on the previous year.

Hangzhou, located in the Yangtze River Delta, is declared to be China's most beautiful city. An ancient Chinese proverb says 'There is paradise above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below', while Venetian explorer Marco Polo declared it the finest and noblest city in the world.

The city is filled with ancient gardens, pavilions, pagodas, springs and grottos, while the West Lake, Xiang Lake, Grand Canal and Thousand Island Lake all add to its natural beauty.

In 2007, Hangzhou was awarded the China Best Tourism City award by the China Tourism Administration and the UN World Tourism Organisation.

As part of its promotional efforts this week, Hangzhou treated members of the press to an introduction to its many delights with a Hangzhou Promotion Ceremony, held at The Fairmont Dubai on May 7.

Journalists were treated to a cultural show and art-of-tea performance before presentations from the Hangzhou Municipal Government, Hangzhou Tourism Commission and the Hangzhou Municipal Office for Coordinating the Development of the Convention and Exhibition Industry. Representatives from the DTCM also addressed the media.

A grand prize draw saw over 20 prizes given away, including round-trip tickets to Shanghai.

The Hangzhou Tourism Commission is exhibiting at ATM at stand AS402 in Hall 8 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.