Page 15 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (111)

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CITY LIFE | 城事

“Neighborly visits” now even easier

“串门”更便利

While cultural resonance lays the foundation for policies has made cross-border travel as simple as visiting
emotional connection among Lancang-Mekong coun- relatives.”
tries, recent reciprocal policies between China and these The rapid development of digital ecosystems and
nations have truly “hit the accelerator” on personnel ex- transportation networks is accelerating the formation of
changes and economic cooperation. Young people, already a “Lancang-Mekong living circle.” These convenient
benefiting firsthand from these policies, eagerly anticipate modern services are not only dismantling barriers to
even greater future openness and collaboration. cross-border living but also empowering young people to
Young people are envisioning a future of freer move- confidently plan their futures. Pengdy Laolou highlighted
ment, shifting from “long-distance international travel” to the significant improvements in cross-border transporta-
“easy neighborly visits.” Phorng Sreyphoung deeply res- tion, such as the China-Laos Railway. “It only takes three
onates with this sentiment. “It’s now much easier to invite hours by high-speed train from Kunming to Xishuangban-
Cambodian friends to China,” she shared. “This Water na,” she noted. “From Xishuangbanna, one can directly
Splashing Festival offered a unique festive atmosphere, reach Laos, providing greater convenience for Lao people
and I’ll definitely recommend Yunnan to more friends seeking education or employment across borders.” As
and family around me.” She noted the frequent economic an International Chinese Education student, Ha Thi Lan
and trade exchanges between Cambodia and China, with Phuong intends to remain in China after graduation, aim-
many Chinese businesspeople in her hometown, and sees ing to foster closer Vietnam-China relations. “Vietnam
cultural exchange as a vital lubricant for economic coop- and China have a friendly relationship, and there are many
eration. “I believe that once they’ve tasted Chinese food job opportunities,” she said. “I want more Vietnamese
and experienced traditional Chinese festival culture, they people to understand China’s history and culture.” Phorng
will understand China better, and trust and communica- Sreyphoung praised the incredible convenience of China’s
tion will increase.” Ha Thi Lan Phuong similarly observed mobile payment and express delivery. “Riding shared
that with China’s relaxed visa policies for Southeast bicycles on and off campus every day is both convenient
Asian countries, more and more Vietnamese are choosing and free,” she said. She was particularly impressed when
to travel to Yunnan, particularly in winter to see snow. a waterproof bag she ordered online just before the Water
“Previously, going north to see snow was too far, but now Splashing Festival arrived in a remarkable two to three
Yunnan can fulfill that desire,” she explained. “Visa-free days. Amazed by the ease of online shopping, she eagerly
policies have made spontaneous travel possible.” Nid anticipates a future cross-border logistics network among
Nidawan, a “China expert” who has extensively traveled Lancang-Mekong countries, enabling Cambodian special-
the country—from Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou ty products to quickly reach Chinese consumers, especial-
and Heilongjiang—succinctly concluded: “The opening of ly through live-stream e-commerce.

Framing friendship

镜头传情谊

“I’m live from the Water Splashing Plaza here in Xish- though the flavors are slightly different, both are equally
uangbanna Dai Garden Scenic Area, and let me tell you, memorable.
it’s an absolute ocean of joy! Just look around—everyone “My goal as a journalist is to present a true and di-
behind me is completely swept up in the festival’s incredible verse Chinese culture to the Thai audience,” Watcharee
revelry.” So reported Watcharee Prasongwiwat, a reporter for explained. She observed that many Thais’ understandings
Thailand’s MCOT Public Company Limited, delivering her of China often remain limited to major international cities
live broadcast microphone in hand, dressed in a striking pink like Beijing and Shanghai. However, she emphasized that
Dai ethnic costume. China is a vast country, rich with distinct regional cultures
“The Water Splashing Festival, known as Songkran in from north to south, and east to west. “Only by personally
Thailand, is a vibrant New Year celebration observed by setting foot on this land can one truly experience the unique
countries throughout the Mekong River basin. While the charm of each city,” she added. Speaking of her visit to Yun-
tradition of splashing water for blessings is universal, each nan, Watcharee specifically highlighted the remarkably con-
region adds its own distinct flair to the festivities. I want venient customs clearance experience. “The implementation
to introduce the unique charm and joyful atmosphere of of the visa-exemption policy between Thailand and China
Xishuangbanna’s Water Splashing Festival to more Thai au- has genuinely enabled ‘go-as-you-please’ travel for tourists
diences,” explained Watcharee. She expressed her immense from both countries,” she said. “This has not only greatly fa-
delight at being invited to Yunnan to cover this important cilitated personnel exchanges but also powerfully propelled
th
cultural event: the 1387 Dai New Year Festival (Water cooperation in areas like culture, economy, and trade, foster-
Splashing Festival 2025) in Xishuangbanna Prefecture.” ing deeper understanding and stronger friendship between
Watcharee recalled that she had previously visited our two nations.” Watcharee concluded by expressing her
and reported from several Chinese cities like Beijing and hope that more of her Thai compatriots would seize this vi-
Shanghai 10 years ago, but this was her first time setting sa-free opportunity to personally discover and experience
foot in Yunnan. The pleasant climate, distinctive cuisine, a real, multi-dimensional China.
clean environment, and modern urban development all For five days, Watcharee and her team diligently pro-
left a deep impression on her. What surprised her the vided daily reports. She highlighted MCOT Thailand’s
most was the cuisine in Xishuangbanna, which felt both long-standing close collaboration with the Yunnan Inter-
familiar and novel. For instance, the sweet and soft “Wa- national Communication Center for South and Southeast
ter Splashing Rice Cake,” an essential snack during the Asia. Watcharee looks forward to strengthening this part-
Water Splashing Festival, is prepared in a way remarkably nership and producing more joint special reports, aiming
similar to Thai desserts. And the passion fruit fish soup to collectively build a media bridge for cultural exchange
reminded her of Thailand’s Tom Yum Goong fish soup; between the two nations.