Flights, visa-free travel: Budapest hosts “Hello, Beijing!” cultural and tourism promotional event
Budapest saw the “Hello, Beijing!” Chinese cultural and tourism promotional event held at the Radisson Blue Béke Hotel on Friday, 7 March 2025. Among the distinguished guests were tourism professionals, media representatives, and airline officials. Guests were familiarised with the Chinese capital’s one-in-a-million beauty and touristic charm and presented with the many connections between Budapest and Beijing. Daily News Hungary had the pleasure of participating in this high-end promotional event.
Beijing’s cultural and touristic charm
Beijing, known as the city of world heritage, boasts a history spanning over 3,000 years. It is renowned as one of the world’s largest historical and cultural treasuries. In 2024, Beijing’s central axis was inscribed as the eighth UNESCO World Heritage site in the city, symbolising traditional imperial layout and cosmic harmony. The city offers a rich cultural experience with over 2,600 performing arts groups and numerous international events like the Beijing International Film Festival and Design Week.
Innovations in tourism
The “Hello, Beijing!” event highlighted new opportunities and conveniences for tourists. Simplified customs procedures and enhanced airport services, such as the Beijing Services points, facilitate smoother travel experiences. Additionally, transit visitors can enjoy free half-day city tours with guided experiences, transportation, and internet access. Beijing’s commitment to innovation includes streamlined banking and SIM card access, making it easier for international visitors to navigate the city.
Cultural exhibition and traditional crafts
The event in Budapest was not just about presentations; it also offered hands-on cultural experiences. A photo exhibition showcasing Beijing’s cultural attractions and traditional Chinese crafts, such as creating zodiac signs and admiring silk doll masterpieces, were highly successful. Guests could also taste the famous jasmine tea from Beijing. The highlight was a raffle with a grand prize of a three-night, four-day trip to Beijing.
Strengthening Budapest-Beijing connections
The cultural and tourism ties between China and Hungary are growing stronger, as evidenced by the success of the “Hello, Beijing!” event. For Hungarian tourists, visa-free entry to China has significantly eased travel, making Beijing an increasingly popular destination. Direct flights from Budapest to Beijing, operated by airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines, further enhance connectivity.
Airline presentations: fly to Beijing from Budapest!
During the event, three major airlines presented their services. Air China, a Star Alliance member since 2007, operates flights to 447 destinations worldwide, including Budapest–Beijing, which covers a distance of 7,338 km in 9 hours and 10 minutes, four times a week. China Eastern Airlines, a SkyTeam member since 2011, operates over 1,050 routes globally and is one of the world’s leading airlines, having transported 150 million passengers in 2024. Hainan Airlines, part of the HNA Aviation Group, offers extensive routes across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is the first and only Chinese mainland airline to be a Skytrax 5-Star Airline.
The event’s success indicates a growing interest in Chinese culture among Hungarians, promising more such events in the future. Beijing’s doors are open to Hungarian tourists, offering unforgettable experiences in this magnificent city.
List of speakers
- Li Huixin: Director of the Chinese State Tourism Office in Budapest
- Chang Lin: Representative of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism
- Kelemen Gábor: Representative from the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ)
- Wang Mengmeng: Beijing tourism expert
- Xu Lucy: Representative from Air China
- Wang Junzhe: Representative from China Eastern Airlines
- Li Da: Representative from Hainan Airlines
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