CHONGQING — A delegation of nearly 70 representatives from various countries and regions has concluded a two-day visit to a county in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality.

The delegation included officials from 11 foreign consulates based in Chongqing and Chengdu, the capital of neighboring Sichuan province, representatives from six overseas institutions in Chongqing and journalists from 13 domestic and foreign media outlets.

The delegation first visited the newly opened Chongqing East Railway Station on July 3 where they took a high-speed train to Pengshui Miao and the Tujia autonomous county to learn about the Miao ethnic culture and explore cooperation opportunities.

This marked the station's first large-scale reception of international guests since it began operation in late June.

"The design of the Chongqing East Railway Station is very modern, and the decorations are also very beautiful," says Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, consul general of Myanmar to Chongqing.

At around 1.23 million square meters, the station is a major comprehensive transportation hub, integrating trains, urban rail transit, buses, long-distance coaches and taxis.

Foreign guests were amazed by the speed of the trains. Notably, the opening of the new high-speed railway line reduces train travel time from Chongqing to Pengshui from about three hours to less than an hour.

"This connectivity will encourage frequent visits to ethnic regions like Pengshui," says Eva Yi-Hua Yu, consul general of Canada to Chongqing.

In Pengshui, delegates immersed themselves in Miao ethnic culture, experiencing traditional Chinese medicine and Miao embroidery, which offered insight into the protection of indigenous cultures.

"Like your region, Myanmar is a country with diverse ethnic communities, vibrant cultures and strong respect for nature and tradition. We believe that diversity is strength, and I have felt a strong sense of connection between your community and ours during this visit to Pengshui," says Lin.

The development achievements in terms of people's livelihoods and ethnic cultures and the promotion of local products in Pengshui serve as valuable experience for Vietnam to learn from, says Bui Nguyen Long, consul general of Vietnam to Chongqing. He notes that Vietnam also has a large Miao ethnic population, most of whom live in financially restricted situations.

Guests expressed that Chongqing East Railway Station will create new opportunities for tourism and trade between Chongqing and international partners.

After tasting wasabi, a local specialty of Pengshui, Mari Takada, Japan's consul general to Chongqing, was surprised to find that this condiment so cherished by Japan is grown in China.

"I only learned about it when I came here. I believe the railway will make it much easier to trade products. We look forward to seeing Pengshui wasabi exported to Japan soon," she says.

"The opening of the new high-speed railway will provide good transportation and create economic momentum in Pengshui. It can bring Pengshui closer to major economic centers, opening up new opportunities for tourism, logistics, and trade," says Lin.

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