For many travelers, a new city often begins with a landmark or a bustling shopping district. But for a group of diplomats visiting Guangzhou, their journey into Guangdong began inside the halls of the Guangdong Museum.
The 2026 “Discover China Cultural Tour” of Guangdong for Diplomats in China officially kicked off in Guangzhou on May 12, bringing together diplomats from nine countries, including Guyana, Seychelles, Bulgaria, El Salvador, Albania, Trinidad and Tobago, Croatia, Zambia and Dominica. Their first stop offered not only a glimpse into Lingnan culture, but also a deeper understanding of the centuries-long exchanges between China and the world.
Among the visitors was Andrey Tehov, ambassador of Bulgaria to China, who described the museum as “a fabulous place” filled with “cultural treasures which should be shared with the whole world.” Although he had visited Guangdong before, this was his first time exploring the museum. “Now I understand what I have missed,” he said.
As the diplomats walked through exhibitions, including one on Guangdong’s thousand-year history of foreign trade, they encountered stories of maritime commerce and cultural interaction that once connected southern China with regions across Asia, Europe, Africa and beyond.
For Tehov, the exhibitions highlighted something larger than trade itself. “It proves that there had been not only trade, but cultural and civilizational exchanges for many centuries,” he noted. He emphasized that such interactions enriched both Chinese civilization and cultures in other parts of the world, adding that he could even trace interesting similarities between Bulgarian culture and the culture of southern China.
The ambassador described the museum as “an agent of cultural exchange,” saying it helps visitors understand how civilizations have influenced and enriched one another over generations. He expressed hope that more international visitors would come to Guangzhou to experience these treasures firsthand.
Beyond the museum, the diplomats also shared their impressions of the city itself. Tehov described Guangzhou as “a very green city” and “a welcoming city which is pleasant to live in.” He encouraged future visitors not only to explore Guangzhou’s modern urban landscape, but also to discover its cultural heritage.
As the visit came to an end, the Bulgarian ambassador greeted the people of Guangdong in Cantonese with “Nei Hou,” meaning “Hello.” It was a simple gesture, but one that reflected the spirit of the tour itself: bringing people closer across borders through culture, history and human connection.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video&Poster: Guo Hongda
Photo: Guo Hongda