From August 15 to 16, 2026, nearly 40 participants, including diplomatic envoys from 12 countries, gathered in Zhaoqing, a city in western Guangdong, to explore its rapidly growing new energy vehicle industry and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, experience its natural beauty and try their hand at making the city's signature wrapped rice dumplings, or zongzi.
Harris Alwi, Consul General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, said he was deeply impressed by what he saw. "Personally, I'm very impressed, particularly at the level of innovation that the Chinese have here compared to our country," he said. "What stands out to me is that these are not simply individual factories. We can see an entire industrial ecosystem here in research and development, in advanced manufacturing, supply chain technology and talent."
Alwi noted that the experience demonstrated how technology can be closely integrated with industry to create new opportunities and improve productivity. "For Malaysia, there are certainly lessons to be learned here, from this model," he said, adding that Malaysia is also focusing on electric vehicles, green technology, advanced manufacturing, digitalization and high-value industries.
Chatrat Wachirasithasuk, Deputy Director of the Thai Trade Center in Guangzhou, was particularly excited about XPeng's electric vehicles. "XPeng is very well known worldwide nowadays. Thai people are also very excited about EVs from China, and especially from XPeng," she said after the tour. "I feel so amazed."
The consular officials also explored Zhaoqing's cultural and natural heritage. They visited the Seven Star Crags, a scenic area where limestone peaks rise from a lake, and Dinghu Mountain, a nature reserve known for its waterfalls and lush greenery.
Zachariasz Popiolek, Consular Attaché at the Consulate General of Poland in Guangzhou, was on his first visit to Zhaoqing. "The weather is beautiful today. I'm really happy," he said. "Especially we like the place where we can enjoy nature, so we really enjoy staying here." He gave the Seven Star Crags a perfect score: "I really like it up to now, ten out of ten. I'm really, really moved by the scenery."
Jan Michael B. Gomez, Consul at the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, praised Guangdong's conservation efforts. "What I like about Guangdong, including Zhaoqing, is that they conserve nature," he said, adding that he hopes to return soon with his family. "I feel that there's so much more to see that I haven't seen within this very short term."
At a local workshop, the delegation also tried their hand at making Zhaoqing's signature wrapped steamed rice dumpling, or zongzi, a local intangible cultural heritage item.
Miguel Uribe, Consul for Protection and Legal Affairs at the Mexican Consulate General in Guangzhou, described it as "a very fun experience."
"I was not aware that it's a cultural heritage of this city, which I'm very glad and very surprised to learn about," he said. "The grabbing part is not as easy as it seems, but it was a very fun process." He added that he had come to love authentic Chinese food since arriving in China.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Guo Chuhua
Cameraman | Guo Chuhua
Video | Guo Chuhua
Poster | Guo Chuhua
