Piraeus-China: Bridges of culture and tourism from Qingdao to Beijing

A delegation of the Municipality of Piraeus, led by the Mayor Mr. Ioannis Moralis and the Deputy Mayor for Outreach, European Programs and Tourism, Ms. Andriana Zarakeli, is planning to visit the city of Qingdao and the capital of China, Beijing, from July 16 to 29, as part of international events aimed at strengthening inter-municipal cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism.

The first stop of the mission, from July 16 to 21, will be the city of Qingdao, where the Municipality of Piraeus is participating in the program of events entitled "Celebrating Culture and Tourism Together", within the framework of the Month of Friendly Exchanges with Sister Cities. This participation is a continuation of the Twinning Agreement signed between the two cities on May 7, 2018, and marks the deepening of a lasting relationship of friendship and cooperation.

The program of events includes a series of workshops, participatory actions, as well as networking between mayors and representatives of businesses active in the fields of culture and tourism. An important part of the program is also the presence of participants in the famous Qingdao Brewing Festival, with actions such as the “Dialogue of Mayors of the World”, the inauguration of the “International Friendship Forest” and thematic evenings to get to know the cultural identity of the city.

The participation of the Municipality of Piraeus in these actions is part of the extroversion strategy followed by the Municipal Authority, aiming to promote the cultural heritage of Piraeus and strengthen its tourist footprint in Asia.

From 21 to 29 July, the delegation will travel to Beijing, following an official invitation from the Beijing Municipality Culture and Tourism Bureau. The invitation is a continuation of the successful cooperation that was sealed with the organization of the event for the celebration of the Chinese New Year, in January 2025, at the Piraeus Municipal Theater.

During the delegation's stay in the Chinese capital, formal meetings have been scheduled, including an official meeting with the Mayor of Beijing, Mr. Yin Yong, as well as thematic tours that aim to present cultural and tourist resources, as well as urban innovations in Beijing. Through these actions, the exchange of know-how and good practices is sought, as well as the strengthening of bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest.

The mission of the Municipality of Piraeus to China constitutes another effort to create channels of substantial cooperation at an international level, enhancing the cultural profile of the city and creating new opportunities for tourism and economic development.