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To further promote people-to-people exchanges between China and the world, China continues to expand its list of visa-exempt countries. On June 10, Shanghai Airport Immigration Inspection Station revealed that over 100 ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain entered China visa-free via Pudong International Airport on June 9 and 10. Immigration officers processing entry for visa-free foreign travelers From June 9, 2025 to June 8, 2026, China is implementing a trial visa exemption policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Eligible travelers can visit China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa. Just after midnight on June 9, Pudong International Airport welcomed the first batch of inbound travelers under the new policy. “The visa-free policy is very convenient and the entry process was smooth,” said Kuwaiti traveler Mr. Arya, who arrived on flight 9C8892 from Bangkok to Pudong. He and his brother were among the first to benefit from the new policy. “We learned about the policy online and decided to travel to Shanghai as a family. Our father will join us in a few days—we’re looking forward to this trip to China,” he said after clearing immigration. Another beneficiary of the policy was Mr. Adaris from Saudi Arabia, who is visiting China for the first time. He plans to visit an automation equipment company in Shanghai. “The visa-free policy saved me time. It will make future business visits much more convenient,” he said. “Currently, citizens from 47 countries are eligible for China’s unilateral visa-free policy. As this network expands, inbound travel enthusiasm remains high. Since the beginning of this year, over 1.1 million foreign travelers have entered China via Pudong Airport using the visa-free policy—accounting for half of all foreign entries,” said Jiang Yichen, Deputy Director of Border Inspection at the Shanghai Airport Immigration Station. As the benefits of the visa-free policy continue to unfold, the number of inbound foreign travelers is expected to rise. The Shanghai Airport Immigration Station will closely monitor flight patterns, enhance coordination with airlines and port authorities, and further optimize the border clearance process to ensure a warm and efficient experience—positioning Shanghai as the “No.1 Gateway for Inbound Tourism in China.”

According to Xinhua News Agency, starting from June 9, China has implemented a trial unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This brings the number of countries eligible for China’s unilateral visa exemption to 47. Data from travel platforms shows that on the day the policy was announced, flight searches to China from GCC countries increased by 90%, with Saudi tourists showing the highest level of interest. According to Guangzhou-based inbound tourism agencies, visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries enjoy flying to Guangzhou to go shopping, buy local specialties, sample Chinese cuisine, and experience traditional Chinese medicine. Airline sources also revealed that Guangzhou, as a major transportation and commercial hub in China, is widely known in the Middle East. Many foreign guests choose to travel to Guangzhou for business and to enjoy the city’s unique lifestyle. Saudi Arabia Sees 235% Surge in Inbound Travel Orders in Q1; Guangzhou Tourism Products Now Available in the Middle East From June 9, 2025 to June 8, 2026, citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain holding ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, cultural exchange, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days. With the addition of the UAE and Qatar—both of which have enjoyed full mutual visa exemption with China since 2018—China has now achieved complete visa-free coverage for all GCC countries. According to Trip.com data, flight searches to China from GCC countries surged by 90% on the day the policy was announced, with Saudi travelers showing the greatest interest. In the first quarter of this year, inbound tourism bookings on Trip.com doubled year-on-year, while bookings from Saudi Arabia rose by an impressive 235%. “The visa-free policy removes the ‘last mile’ barrier to travel,” said Qin Jing, Vice President of Trip.com Group. “As China continues to ease visa requirements, it will provide direct convenience for overseas visitors conducting business and also stimulate diverse consumption in tourism, culture, and other areas.” As the list of visa-free countries continues to grow, demand from Middle Eastern business and leisure travelers to Guangdong is also on the rise. In response to local preferences and cultural characteristics, GZL International Travel Service has developed targeted tourism products, accompanied by promotional videos and images of Guangdong for regional marketing. According to Xi Xinqiang, Deputy General Manager of the GZL inbound tourism department, local partners in the Middle East have already launched Guangdong travel products, with departures starting in early July. The offerings have attracted considerable attention, especially from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. “Buy and Refund Instantly” Policy Rolled Out Swiftly – Foreign Tourists Love Shopping in Guangzhou Boosted by new policies, inbound tourism in Guangzhou has shown a “multiplier effect.” In the first quarter of 2025, Guangzhou received 1.187 million inbound overnight tourists, an 11.7% year-on-year increase. Among them, 498,000 were foreign visitors staying overnight, representing a 31.0% increase. Recently, the “buy and refund instantly” departure tax rebate policy has been rapidly implemented in Guangzhou. The layout of tax refund shops has been further optimized, product categories have been expanded, and foreign tourist spending in the city has been significantly stimulated. Industry professionals are optimistic about the “buy and refund instantly” policy. “Inbound tourism is on the rise, and more overseas travel service agencies are visiting the Greater Bay Area for familiarization trips,” said Mr. Peng, Head of Marketing at Guangdong CTS. He noted that foreign tourists enjoy shopping in Guangzhou, especially at various wholesale markets. He also suggested that local merchants should expand their product categories to include more intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and Cantonese cultural and creative products. Foreign Airlines Optimistic About Guangzhou, Plan to Increase Capacity Accordingly According to multiple online travel platforms, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all launched direct flights to Guangzhou. Among them, Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) operates six direct flights weekly between Guangzhou and Riyadh and Jeddah. The flight occupancy rate shows healthy seasonal fluctuations and remains stable overall. In addition, Saudia also operates four weekly flights connecting Beijing with Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, an economic hub in eastern Saudi Arabia, providing a convenient air bridge for the deepening economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. “Following the announcement of China’s unilateral visa-free policy for Saudi ordinary passport holders, the market has already shown positive initial feedback. We are observing a clear trend of potential passenger growth. With continued publicity, this upward momentum is expected to be further consolidated and expanded,” said Ms. Liang, Sales Director of Saudia. She noted that this policy move will significantly inspire Middle Eastern travelers to explore Guangzhou—the “millennia-old trade city.” According to her, Saudi guests, in addition to their busy business agendas, show great interest in Guangzhou’s vibrant urban charm, including premium shopping experiences, authentic culinary culture, historic cultural sites, and traditional Chinese medicine wellness. To seize this market opportunity, Saudia is fully prepared and plans to increase flight frequency in the upcoming winter-spring season, especially during major trade events like the Canton Fair.

On June 9, China’s visa-free trial policy officially took effect for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Combined with full mutual visa exemption for the UAE and Qatar since 2018, this now grants visa-free entry to all GCC member states. Individuals across the GCC stated that this policy will promote travel and exchanges with China and create a brighter future for China–GCC relations. Recently, China decided to expand its visa-free policy. From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain may enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives, cultural exchange, or transit. Aied Al-Yami, Director of International Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Investment, shared the news immediately on social media, saying: “Spontaneous trips to China are exciting. I’m pleased to see China–Saudi relations growing closer, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges becoming more convenient.” Ishaq Al-Azri, Professor of Chinese at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, said that the Omani people generally welcome the policy, and the number of Omani entrepreneurs traveling to China for business will increase markedly. Cooperation in tourism will be upgraded, and Omani tourists look forward to discovering China’s rich history and vibrant culture. Charbel Barakat, Director of the International Section at Kuwait’s Al‑Jarida Newspaper, said this visa-free policy will ease GCC citizens’ travel and business activities in China, and facilitate collaboration between GCC research institutes and Chinese universities, promoting mutual learning in humanities and other fields. Jawad Al-Hawaj, President of the Bahrain–China Friendship Association, said the visa-free policy provides an opportunity to deepen friendly cooperation: “The Bahrain–China Friendship Association will seize this opportunity to enhance people-to-people exchanges.” Bahraini economist Youshim Hussein said the visa waiver is an important move by China to strengthen cooperation with the GCC, and will powerfully promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the people of both sides. Emirati travel blogger Abdullah Matar, currently visiting China on the “Hello! China” UAE Influencer Tour organized by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the China Cultural Center, said on social media that the visa-free policy “is a major benefit for tourists from GCC countries, including the UAE. Now you just need your passport to visit China.” One of the Gulf’s largest travel companies, Emirates Kanoo Travel Group, launched four new China itinerary packages aimed at UAE, Bahrain, Saudi, and other GCC travelers. Kanoo CEO Harvi said, “The visa-free policy creates new possibilities for deepening cooperation. We will continue serving as a bridge to facilitate travel between GCC countries and China.” Jassim Mahmoud, Public Relations Head at Qatar Tourism, said they look forward to deepening tourism cooperation with more partners and promoting further growth in the Qatar–China tourism market. Professor Kyle Dibatt of Qatar University’s School of International Relations stated that the full visa waiver reflects China’s intention to deepen cooperation with GCC countries. Achieving visa-free coverage across the GCC will further propel bilateral relations, enhance people-to-people ties, and support the building of a shared future for humanity. Source: People’s Daily, June 9, 2025, Page 3

1．Question: Who does the visa waiver apply to?  Answer: Nationals of 47 countries including Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain holding valid ordinary passports can be exempted from visa requirement if entering into China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without visa. 2．Question: Do foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver need to make declarations to Chinese embassies and consulates in advance? Answer: Foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver do not need to declare in advance to Chinese embassies and consulates before entering China without a visa. 3．Question: Will the purpose of intended stay in China be examined by Chinese border inspection authorities when entering China? How will it be done? Are other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport? Answer: Foreign nationals traveling for purposes of business, tourism, family or friends visits，exchange and transit that meet the visa waiver requirements can be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval in accordance with law by border inspection authorities. Entry into China shall be denied by border inspection authorities in accordance with law to foreign nationals who travel for purposes that do not meet the visa waiver requirements or who are not allowed to enter China in accordance with laws and regulations. It is recommended to take documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and reservations of accommodation as a proof corresponding to the purposes of entry into China. Visa waiver does not apply to those who come to China for work, study, journalistic or alike purposes. 4．Question: Is there any additional requirement for minors eligible for a visa waiver? Answer: Visa waiver requirements for minors are the same as for adults. 5．Question: Are there any requirements on the type and validity of entry documents? Answer: For foreign nationals, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of intended stay in China is needed. Holders of travel documents or temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not allowed to enter into China without a visa. 6．Question: How to calculate the duration of stay of 30 days? Answer: Foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver may stay in China continuously without a visa from the date of entry to the 30th calendar day until 24:00. 7．Question: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel from a third country? Answer: Eligible foreign nationals can depart for China from any country or region. 8．Question: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel by forms of transport other than aviation? Answer: The visa waiver applies to all travelers coming to China through any sea, road and airport open to foreign nationals (except where laws, regulations and bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). For arrivals in China by private transport, certain procedures for entry and exit of means of transport shall be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China. 9．Question: Does the visa waiver apply to tour groups? Answer: The visa waiver applies to eligible foreign nationals either in tour groups or as individuals. 10．Question: If the length of intended stay exceeds 30 days, can the visa waiver be extended? Answer: Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 30 days shall apply for visas corresponding to their purposes of stay in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates. If they have to stay longer than 30 days for appropriate and sufficient reasons after entering China without a visa, they shall apply for stay permits to the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities of China. 11．Question: Does the visa waiver allow multiple entries? Is there any requirement on the length of intervals between each entry, or any restriction on the number of entries without a visa or total days of stay? Answer: Foreign nationals eligible for the visa waiver can enter China without a visa for multiple times. Currently there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but those who enjoy visa-free travel to China shall not engage in activities inconsistent with their purposes of entry.  

From experiencing over 600 years of history at Mutianyu Great Wall to immersing in trendy vibes at the POP MART City Park, six Emirati influencers joined the “Discover Beijing” tour on June 2. Throughout the journey, the word they uttered most was “amazing.” They deeply engaged with the wonders of Beijing and are eager to share these experiences with a wider audience. Mutianyu Great Wall “Hello Beijing! We love the Great Wall!” In early summer, the 650-year-old Mutianyu Great Wall winds through lush green mountains, looking especially magnificent against the blue skies and white clouds. The Emirati influencers were completely captivated by the breathtaking scenery. Sara Poses for a Photo with the Great Wall Influencer Sara said, “I visited China about ten years ago, but this is my first time actually climbing the Great Wall. The experience took my breath away. It’s such an honor to witness this stunning scenery and appreciate the rich history and culture. I know China has a long cultural legacy, and I truly love it here.” Experiencing Tai Chi on the Great Wall As a key cultural tourism landmark, Mutianyu welcomed over 2 million visitors last year, 40% of whom were international tourists. Li Yan, Deputy Director of Huairou District Culture and Tourism Bureau, noted that many scenic spots, star-rated hotels, and restaurants in the district have upgraded services to accommodate inbound travelers. After immersing in the rich heritage of the Great Wall, the influencers headed to POP MART City Park, where they experienced a different kind of charm—urban pop culture. With its long ears, mischievous smile, and sharp little fangs, the Labubu figure from Chinese brand POP MART has become a sensation abroad. These tiny collectibles are breaking cultural boundaries. The Emirati influencers fell in love with the Labubu figures and couldn’t resist placing orders. “They’re so cute and trendy! I’ll hang them on my bag and take them everywhere in China.” “These are for my niece and myself—they’re so cool. China, you are amazing!” Getting Their Beloved Labubu Outside the fairytale-like MOLLY Castle in POP MART City Park, Ark Lake in Chaoyang Park sparkled under the sun. Across the lake, people lounged on the lawn, enjoying picnics and camping, with the skyline of Beijing’s CBD visible in the distance. Sara sat quietly, gazing at the surroundings and reflecting on her journey. “In Beijing, history, culture, modernity, and beauty all exist in perfect harmony. It’s hard to describe it in words. This country is powerful, beautiful, culturally rich, and its people are kind and hospitable—beyond what social media can convey. When I go home, I’ll tell more people about China.” Enjoying a Beautiful Beijing Evening The participating influencers hail from various sectors across the UAE and Gulf countries, with broad public influence. The 2025 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference opens today. Liu Yang, Director of the China Cultural Center in the UAE, stated that the aim of the event is to let more people know about China and Beijing. “With China’s new visa-free policy for all six Gulf Arab countries, we hope more people from the UAE and Gulf region can experience China’s streamlined entry procedures, convenient payment systems, and its stunning natural and modern achievements,” Liu added.

Dragon Boats and Zongzi: A Cultural Journey through the Dragon Boat Festival During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the “Hello! China” UAE (Gulf) Influencer Tour to China—organized by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the China Cultural Center in the UAE—visited Anji, Zhejiang. Emirati influencers experienced traditional customs such as making zongzi and watching dragon boat races, immersing themselves in the rich cultural ambiance of the festival in the countryside. On the dock of Fushi Village in Anji County, Emirati influencer Ahmed Al Qass, on his first trip to China, said, “The racers moved forward rhythmically to the beat of the drums—it was intense and thrilling, like a scene from an action movie. I was completely captivated by this unique cultural experience.” “Spending the traditional Dragon Boat Festival in China has been an incredibly immersive experience,” said Al Qass. “The festival embodies China’s rich historical and cultural heritage. I admire how the Chinese people preserve and celebrate their traditions. I’ll definitely share this unforgettable journey with my followers. Wishing my Chinese friends a healthy and joyful Dragon Boat Festival—may your lives be as dynamic as the racing boats and as sweet as zongzi.” （Source: China Tourism News）

On May 27, during the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, China announced a unilateral visa-free policy for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, completing full visa exemption coverage for all six GCC countries.Under the guidance and encouragement of the China Cultural Center in the UAE, travel agencies from Gulf countries promptly responded to China’s favorable policy. Leveraging the “China Fever” trending on social media, they launched a series of online promotional campaigns and intensively rolled out inbound tourism packages to China. Kanoo Travel Group As one of the largest travel groups in the Gulf region actively developing inbound tourism to China, Kanoo Travel, under the center’s guidance, swiftly coordinated with Chinese suppliers. On May 27, right after China’s visa-free policy for GCC countries was announced, it launched online promotions, becoming one of the first agencies in the Gulf to market tours to China. The company released four new routes targeting residents of the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, offering convenient, diverse, and high-quality Chinese travel experiences. MPQ Travel MPQ Travel quickly launched a series of China-bound travel packages, including classic routes such as Xiamen-Quanzhou, Hong Kong-Zhangjiajie-Phoenix Ancient Town, Beijing, and Shanghai-Wuxi-Hangzhou, to meet the diverse travel needs of tourists from the Middle East and the Gulf. TraveltoChina.ae Platform Since 2023, a local UAE travel company has been planning a dedicated website for travelers from Gulf countries to visit China. After the visa-free policy was announced, it promptly launched multi-platform online promotions targeting all six GCC countries, offering customized and private China travel routes for high-end Gulf tourists. The campaign will last for three weeks online and is planned to extend to offline promotions in collaboration with the center by June 2025. Al Rais Travel Group As one of the largest travel operators in the UAE serving Emirati nationals, Al Rais Travel has prioritized the launch of premium travel products focused on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. By integrating diverse Chinese tourism resources, it offers Gulf visitors a “Greater Bay Area+” travel experience. The group also plans to collaborate with the China Cultural Center in the UAE to launch offline marketing campaigns and new inbound travel products in October. Cathay Pacific Airways Leveraging its route network, Cathay Pacific has launched various travel products to China, particularly involving the Greater Bay Area. It also offers special services for participants attending the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair). Harvey, CEO of Kanoo Travel Group, stated: “We highly appreciate the Chinese government’s open and inclusive visa policy. It creates new opportunities for China-Arab cooperation. Under the support of the China Cultural Center in the UAE, Kanoo will continue to act as a bridge and an active promoter of people-to-people exchanges between China and the Gulf, and between China and the Arab world.” Abdullah Matar, a well-known Emirati travel blogger currently participating in the “Hello, China!” influencer tour in China, posted a video comment on social media immediately after learning about the new policy. He said, “This is a huge benefit for travelers from Gulf countries, including the UAE. Now you just need your passport to travel to China.”

From May 26 to 27, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, the China Cultural Center in the UAE, the Palace Museum, the China International Culture Association, and the “Chinese in 100 Schools” program in the UAE jointly held the workshop “Encounter Across the Seas: Stories of Civilizational Exchange in the Forbidden City.” The event brought a cross-cultural journey to over 100 students at Hamdan bin Zayed School and Yas School in Abu Dhabi. Through hands-on exploration of porcelain and timepieces, students discovered the deep-rooted exchanges between Chinese and foreign cultures within the Forbidden City. Exported Blue and White Porcelain In the session titled “Exported Blue and White Porcelain,” students learned about the history and craftsmanship of Chinese ceramics and designed their own export-style porcelain. Some painted classic blue-and-white motifs, while others chose adorable pandas. Mariam, an 11th-grade student from Hamdan School, inscribed “I love China” in Chinese, Arabic, and English within her floral design. Another student, Bashayer Omar, painted a blooming blue lotus at the center of a plate, where a majestic dragon suddenly leapt from the lotus leaves—its whiskers like lightning, its shimmering scales glowing cobalt blue. The lifelike painting looked ready to burst from the plate into the air, trailing a fragrance of lotus. Cultural Exchange on Timepieces The “Cultural Exchange on Timepieces” workshop was even livelier. Students decorated dials, embedded ornaments, and assembled their own watches—experiencing a hands-on blend of history and modern craftsmanship. Omar Ahmed from Yas School was the first to finish. On his watch face, the Chinese and Emirati flags stood side by side, and each second ticked like a symbolic high-five. “This is a friendship watch!” he proudly declared. “Look! My crane tells time!” exclaimed Diyab Ghalib, showing off his work. His painted blue-and-white crane had layered wings, a graceful neck, and eyes so vivid they seemed to blink with every hand movement—like a tiny spirit living in the watch. Others painted dragons, football fields, or floral patterns, each claiming theirs was the best. At the end, Minister Zhao Liang from the Chinese Embassy and Fatima Bastaki, head of the “100 Schools” program, awarded certificates and shared their heartfelt congratulations. Led by Deputy Researcher Kan Hongmin and Researcher Lin Deqi from the Palace Museum, the courses combined Chinese-English bilingual instruction with engaging hands-on activities. Though thousands of miles from China, the Forbidden City’s cultural legacy came alive through these inspiring lessons, igniting Emirati students’ passion for Chinese history and heritage.

From May 19 to 21, the Embassy of China in the UAE, the China Cultural Center in the UAE, the China International Culture Association, and the UAE Bassam Freiha Art Foundation co-hosted the exhibition and workshop event “The Scent of Nature: Encountering China Blue – Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Indigo Dyeing” in Abu Dhabi. Over 120 enthusiasts of Chinese culture from countries such as the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria, Germany, France, Italy, India, Australia, and the United States participated in immersive experiences of indigo dyeing and incense culture, admiring indigo-dyed exhibits that represent the “Four Traditional Chinese Dyeing Arts.” 1、Anning Tie-Dye Under the guidance of Yang Cheng, an inheritor of the Anning tie-dye technique, international participants folded and tied white fabrics creatively before immersing them in indigo plant dye. The resulting patterns—ranging from romantic hearts and geometric shapes to starry skies—were ever-changing due to diverse tying methods. Everyone was thrilled with their unique creations, each piece reflecting personal warmth, ideas, and wishes. 2、Blue Printed Cloth Hu Yaofei, an inheritor of the blue printed cloth technique, explained the processes involved in stencil-resist dyeing and plant-based printing. He brought pre-prepared cloths—meticulously carved, coated with resist paste, and dried by Chinese artisans—to Abu Dhabi. Emirati participants then dyed them with indigo pigment and scraped off the resist paste, unveiling blue printed cloths co-created by Chinese artisans and UAE enthusiasts. 3、Miao Batik Ning Manli, a Miao batik artist, introduced the traditional batik techniques originating in Danzhai, Guizhou. The designs—fish, birds, flowers, and mountains—drawn from daily life, were first sketched in wax on cloth using wax knives. After dyeing in indigo and removing the wax, symbolic patterns such as phoenixes (for nobility) and carp (for abundance) emerged. Each cloth embodied the Guizhou women’s aspirations for a better life. As participants listened to these heartfelt stories and engaged in hands-on batik creation, Ning sang “I’m Waiting for You in Guizhou,” filling the workshop with warmth and emotion. 4、Traditional Chinese Incense Making Wang Xiaoli, a traditional Chinese incense artist, guided participants in crafting rabbit-shaped scented sachets. They filled the pouches with classic ingredients such as agarwood, clove, angelica root, and cinnabar, along with mugwort, osmanthus, jasmine, and lavender. Guests joyfully admired their handmade sachets, breathing in the calming fragrances while listening to stories about China’s rich incense culture, wondering who among their loved ones would receive this special gift. Each naturally elegant, ever-changing indigo-dyed cloth and every richly fragrant Chinese sachet embodied both the warmth of international participants and the artistry of Chinese heritage inheritors…

“Sorry, this event is exclusively for women. Men are not allowed, not even staff members. Thank you for your understanding,” said Aisha, Executive Manager of the Sharjah Ladies Club. With that, the director of the center was cheerfully stopped at the entrance by a “Men Not Allowed” sign. On May 17, 2025, at the invitation of the Sharjah Ladies Club, the China Cultural Center in the UAE held the Chinese Culture and Tourism Festival in Sharjah. The event featured a wide range of interactive experiences, including traditional Chinese lantern-making workshops, calligraphy and tea appreciation, Chinese character henna tattoos, and lucky red envelope draws. A traditional dragon drum performance, guzheng music, and classical Chinese dance delighted the audience. Emirati women and children, many dressed in Chinese-inspired outfits and accessories, joined in the performances with enthusiasm. The Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) experience area dazzled visitors with its elegance. The Jingdezhen “Linglong porcelain” on display under special lighting drew amazement from children. Panda-themed blind boxes sold out quickly, prompting vendors to exclaim that they had underestimated the demand. A young girl named Fatima efficiently coordinated her family: her mother queued for blind boxes, her sister for fried and spicy skewers, while Fatima herself waited for snowflake crisps and glutinous rice lemon tea. Nearby, Latifa and Mohammed argued over the ownership of a Chinese folding fan. After eating their fill, they joined Aisha’s younger brother in a spirited game of Chinese shuttlecock. The three Sharjah children even held their own “Sharjah Cup” shuttlecock tournament. Sheikha, Vice Chairwoman of the Sharjah Ladies Club, explained that following the success of Japanese and Korean cultural festivals in recent years, club members had been eager to experience a Chinese cultural tourism festival. Many hoped to learn more about Chinese culture and destinations with plans to travel to China with their families. Collaborating with the China Cultural Center and various Chinese food and cultural vendors in the UAE laid the foundation for this event. However, it was the Emirati women’s genuine interest and deep affection for Chinese culture that made the event a true success. “Founded in 1982, the Sharjah Ladies Club is the UAE’s first comprehensive institution dedicated to women and children. Under the patronage and guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, the club is committed to its vision of ‘inspiring women towards excellence.’ Through professional training, leadership development programs, and cultural and artistic initiatives, the club empowers women in their personal growth and participation in society.”