A crew member experiences Yueqing's cultural heritage in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/66wz.com]
The Syros, a liquefied petroleum gas ship docked at Dongtou Xiaomen Island Petrochemical Terminal, became the center of attention on Aug 6. Captain Janowicz Tomasz and his 22 crew members from Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries were appointed as the first overseas "ship ambassadors".
Wenzhou's ports see nearly 1,000 ships entering and leaving annually. This year, the Wenzhou Border Inspection Station and the Wenzhou Maritime Silk Road International Communication Base collaborated to establish the National Gate Culture Overseas Communication and Exchange Base.
This initiative invites Wenzhou youth to board foreign ships and foreign crew members to explore the city, creating ship culture stations and appointing ship ambassadors to spread both Ouyue and Maritime Silk Road culture globally.
The Syros, a Panamanian-registered ship, made its maiden voyage to Wenzhou Port to load 800 metric tons of natural gas. On Aug 6, the ship's cabin was outfitted with Chinese cultural items like Chinese knots and Ou embroidery fans. Activities such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy allowed foreign crew members to experience Chinese culture.
Captain Tomasz, visiting Wenzhou for the first time, was impressed by the city's calm seas and beautiful green mountains. He praised the ship ambassador initiative, noting that exposure to different cultures benefits maritime work.
Wenzhou, an important node on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, has shared its vibrant culture through sea routes for thousands of years. Thanks to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, crew members were able to explore Yueqing and experience its cultural heritage.
