Policewoman Wang Qian (right) helps a foreigner get cleared at immigration inspection checkpoint of the airport in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, on February 6, 2019. Photo: Xinhua
A Chinese lawmaker presented a proposal at the ongoing National People's Congress (NPC) to open sites at ports of entry in China's megacities to promote the Chinese civilization and national image to foreigners arriving to the country.
Jiang Shengnan, a deputy to the NPC, China's top legislature, mentioned that her suggestion was inspired by the "Lanting", or the Blue Hall of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The Blue Hall has gradually become an important window for the promotion of China. I suggest that the government establish a 'Lanting' at every port of entry in China's megacities, to present Chinese civilization to foreigners who come to China for the first time," Jiang told the Global Times on Wednesday.
The entire press conference hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is predominantly blue, which inspired the name Lanting, or Blue Hall, according to a previous report of China News Service.
Ma Zhaoxu, former Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said during the first press conference held in the Lanting on October 12, 2010, that he "hoped the Lanting will become a bridge of communication, a platform for exchanges, and a mirror that constantly reflects the progress of China's reform and opening-up."
As China continues its comprehensive opening-up, more and more people around the world will pay attention to the country and would want to have a look. "China will surely welcome more and more people from around the world," Jiang said.
"For the large number of foreign visitors, by establishing a 'Lanting' at ports of entry in megacities, we can take the initiative and extend a warm and friendly hand to foreigners who come to China for the first time," Jiang said.
Jiang said that content on display in the proposed "Lanting" should reflect the glorious history of China, show features of the Chinese civilization which can be traced back to over 5,000 years and help guide guests from afar to obey Chinese laws and orders.
"We can use traditional methods, such as playing promotional videos of China or local cities or introduce advanced information technologies such as AR, 3D and 5G into a Lanting at places where conditions permit, to offer an enhanced experience and allow foreigners to engage with China and feel its unique charm as a major country in the East when they enter the country," Jiang said.