GBA world-class tourism promotion event in Tokyo
On October 10, 2025, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) held a major tourism promotion event in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan, attracting over 200 participants, including travel agencies, cultural organizations, media, and creative industry professionals.
The event aimed to showcase the region's unique mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions, positioning the GBA as a world-class travel destination.
Dong Tian, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, said the event underscored the role of tourism and culture in fostering international connections. "Tourism and culture are bridges between countries. We hope visitors can experience China's speed and innovation, enjoy its rich heritage, and build lasting friendships with Japan," she said.
Participants at the GBA world-class tourism promotion event in Tokyo
Presenters highlighted iconic sites such as Danxia Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful sandstone formations; the island-inspired Zhuhai Grand Theatre; and the engineering marvel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which links three major cities in the region.
The cultural program offered insight into Lingnan traditions. Traditional Cantonese opera and Guqin music delighted the audience, while interactive shows brought heritage crafts to life. Skilled artisans showcased paper-cutting, Foshan woodblock printing, Cantonese embroidery, and the art of Chaozhou Gongfu tea, allowing visitors to watch, touch, taste, and even try these crafts themselves. Digital tourism ambassadors led virtual tours, providing participants with a modern, tech-savvy perspective on the GBA's attractions.
Singers perform at the event
The event also highlighted Guangdong's efforts to make travel easier for international visitors. New policies include simplified visa and customs procedures, multi-stop travel options within the GBA, and expanded tour offerings. Ouyang An, Director of the China National Tourist Office in Tokyo, said that under these policies, the Office will work with industry partners to offer more diverse travel products and enhance cross-border travel for global travelers.
The promotion served as a platform for collaboration between Japanese and Chinese travel businesses. Travel agencies from Guangzhou and Japan signed agreements to develop joint travel routes and offer high-quality experiences for Japanese tourists. Guangdong also launched inbound tourism campaigns at Osaka Kansai and Fukuoka airports, combining on-site advertising with easy access to visitor guides to encourage travel to the region.
Visitors appreciate cultural creations inspired by Guangdong's intangible cultural heritage
Dong Tian, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, said the event underscored the role of tourism and culture in fostering international connections. "Tourism and culture are bridges between countries. We hope visitors can experience China's speed and innovation, enjoy its rich heritage, and build lasting friendships with Japan," she said.
Tsuyoshi Yamakawa, Director of Market Promotion in Asia Office, Inbound Tourism Promotion Division at the Japan Tourism Agency, added that as one of China's key hubs for industry and innovation, the GBA is increasingly becoming both an important source market and a popular destination for two-way tourism. The agency is also encouraging outbound travel among Japanese citizens, aiming to further expand China-Japan cultural and tourism exchanges while strengthening mutual understanding and friendly cooperation.
Visitors with Foshan woodblock printing
The event offered international audiences a vivid glimpse of the GBA's attractions, from scenic landscapes and cutting-edge architecture to culinary delights and centuries-old cultural traditions, while highlighting Guangdong's commitment to welcoming foreign travelers with improved policies and collaborative initiatives.
Reporter | Li Muzi
Photo | South
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
