Hangzhou's culture and tourism elements are featured at the ITB Berlin in Berlin, Germany, on March 4, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, in collaboration with cultural and tourism authorities from the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle, has launched a series of cultural tourism promotion initiatives in Germany and Italy recently.

The Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle, a metropolitan area centering on Hangzhou, consists of the cities of Hangzhou, Huzhou, Jiaxing, Shaoxing, and Quzhou in Zhejiang province as well as Huangshan in Anhui province.

Through international exhibitions, thematic promotional events, and government-enterprise exchanges, these promotion initiatives aim to advance global outreach of Hangzhou's cultural and tourism sector and further enhance its international tourism cooperation.

On March 4, the opening of the ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin), a leading global travel and tourism industry, featured a prominent presence by Hangzhou's cultural and tourism delegation within the China Pavilion.

Through videos, exhibits, and interactive experiences, Hangzhou highlighted its tourism appeal to a global audience, further solidifying its international reputation and influence.

Visitors take a look at the exhibits during a promotional event hosted by the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism in Munich, Germany on March 3, 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Prior to the ITB Berlin, the delegation hosted a dedicated promotional event in Munich, Germany. Under the theme "5,000 Years of Chinese Civilization — See Hangzhou", cultural tourism ambassadors presented the city's profound historical heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and innovation at the event. The overseas promotional video of the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle, coupled with an engaging presentation, captured the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural essence of the seven cities within the metropolitan area.

Later, the delegation traveled to Rome, Italy, to show the poetic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and dynamic innovation of the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle. The delegation also engaged in official visits to the Munich City Government, the Venice City Government and the General Chamber of Commerce of Chinese Overseas in Verona as part of the promotional activities.

Through in-depth discussions with representatives from these institutions, the delegation sought to foster mutual understanding, strengthen ties, and facilitate mutual tourism exchanges between the regions, according to delegation members.

These overseas promotions are another landmark effort by the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle, following last year's inbound tourism campaign. Transitioning from "welcoming visitors" to "expanding global outreach", Hangzhou is committed to sharing development opportunities with the international community, embracing global tourists inclusively, and deepening cultural and tourism cooperation on a global scale, said relevant officials.