Weifang city of China hosts tourism promotion event “Hometown of Kites · A Journey Across Mountains and Seas” in London.
From June 25th to 28th, a cultural delegation led by Gao Qiang, Director of the Weifang Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, visited London to promote the city’s rich cultural heritage under the theme “Hometown of Kites · A Journey Across Mountains and Seas.” This initiative marks both an innovative step in internationalising Weifang’s cultural and tourism identity, and a meaningful dialogue between China and the UK. It drew on our respective histories to shape a shared future.
As part of the 80th anniversary commemorations of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Weifang Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism partnered with Eltham College in London — alma mater of Eric Liddell — to launch a cross-cultural peace initiative titled “Running Together for Peace Across Mountains and Seas.”
Eric Liddell, the British Olympic champion who dedicated his life to China, was among over 980 foreign nationals interned at the Weixian Internment Camp during World War II, where he passed away in 1945. In his memory, the Weifang delegation, led by Director Gao Qiang, visited Eltham College to open the “Eric Liddell and Weifang “exhibition and presented a replica of the painting, “Dreams Soar from the Camp” created by Weifang artist Liu Tiefei for the London 2012 Olympics.
The event also featured a tourism promotion session showcasing Weifang as the “City of Kites.” In July, a group from Eltham College will visit Weifang to continue the relay run and explore key cultural sites, including the Weixian Internment Camp Museum, the Weifang Museum, and the World Kite Museum, to further promote cultural ties and peace.
During the London promotion event, Director Gao introduced Weifang’s unique blend of natural beauty, history, and vibrant modern culture, highlighting the city’s titles such as “World Capital of Kites,” “City of Chinese Painting,” and “City of Peace.” Michael Scott, representing Eltham College, was appointed as Weifang’s Cultural Promotion Ambassador.
The event was supported by the China National Tourist Office London. Director Zhang Li remarked that the historical connection between Weifang and the UK is one that deserves to be remembered. Using the story of the internment camp established by the Japanese army in Weifang as a foundation for dialogue and exchange between China and the UK carries profound significance in deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries. The China National Tourist Office London will continue to fully support such initiatives that contribute to strengthening Sino-British relations.
From the story of Eric Liddell to the soaring kites by the Thames, Weifang’s journey to London was more than a cultural promotion — it was a heartfelt gesture of remembrance, unity, and a shared hope for lasting peace.
If you liked this article, why not read: The Flying Scotsman: Eric Liddell’s Life in China
