Page 15 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (99)

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INTERACTION | 你来我往

iu Ziyu, a reporter from the Yunnan Daily Press Group and the Yunnan International Communication Center for South and South-
east Asia, had the opportunity to participate in an interview during the Cambodian New Year. During her time there, she immersed
herself in the vibrant local traditional culture and taking part in the lively festive celebrations. Liu also visited several world heritage
Lsites in Cambodia, including the renowned Angkor Wat and various other historical monuments. Through these visits, she gained a
profound appreciation for Cambodia’s rich historical heritage, and she looked forward to witnessing the country’s future beauty.

Discovering Angkor: Immersing in Cambodia’s rich history and culture

看吴哥：触摸柬埔寨历史人文之美

Text by Liu Ziyu □ 刘子语 / 文
Being a travel enthusiast, I have always tween the Chinese and Cambodian peoples.
been captivated by the mysterious allure of They informed us about the efforts made
Angkor Wat. As a reporter, I have had the by Chinese cultural relics workers in recent
privilege of meeting many wonderful Cam- years to conserve and restore important
bodian friends throughout my interviews historical monuments like the Chau Say
in recent years, and their warmth and hos- Tevoda temple and the Ta Keo temple, en-
pitality have only deepened my fascination hancing the radiance of the Angkor’s world
with Cambodia. In April of this year, I was cultural heritage. Our time in Siem Reap
selected as one of the representatives of the provided opportunities to meet fellow tour-
Chinese media to participate in the Cam- ists from various Chinese provinces such
bodian New Year (Songkran) interview as Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Shanghai. When
for journalists from the Lancang-Mekong shopkeepers in Siem Reap warmly greeted
countries. This event, supported by the Chinese tourists in basic Chinese, the Chi-
Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special nese tourists responded by greeting them
Fund, took place in Siem Reap. and expressing gratitude in Cambodian
Upon our arrival in Siem Reap by plane, languages. This people-to-people exchange
Cambodia immediately greeted us with a ourselves in traditional song and dance per- towering ancient trees, and weathered walls added a heartwarming touch to the already
sense of warmth. This warmth was not only formances. Amongst all the celebrations, left tourists from all over the world in awe. beautiful ambiance of Cambodia.
reflected in the local temperature, but also the most vibrant and lively was the water The tranquil historical monuments and the Within a mere five days, we were fasci-
in the genuine smiles of our Cambodian splashing tradition. Throughout the streets bustling crowds of tourists created a capti- nated by the splendor of Cambodia, cher-
friends who eagerly welcomed us as soon and alleys, people playfully drenched each vating scene. The festive season drew even ishing the unforgettable encounters with its
as we entered the terminal building. other using pots or water pistols, symbol- larger crowds than usual, keeping local wonderful people, breathtaking landscapes,
During our stay in Cambodia, our Cam- izing well-wishes and good fortune. We guides, restaurant owners, and shopkeepers and heartwarming experiences. Our friends
bodian friends invited us to partake in a se- couldn’t resist joining in the fun, shrieking busily engaged, all of whom wore joyful from the Department of International
ries of New Year celebrations. These festiv- with laughter as water splashed around us. smiles on their faces. Cooperation, Ministry of Information of
ities took us on a whirlwind of experiences, We were pleasantly surprised to discover This year holds special significance for Cambodia shared with us their vision that
from visiting temples to offer prayers for that kite flying is a beloved pastime for China-Cambodia relations as it marks the the Siem Reap Angkor International Air-
blessings, to witnessing thrilling dragon Cambodian people as well. Just like in Chi- “Year of China-Cambodia People-to-Peo- port will serve as a catalyst for Cambodia’s
boat races by the river and immersing nese culture, flying kites is seen as a way to ple Exchange.” During our visit to the Bay- tourism and economic growth, marking a
express positive aspirations and goodwill. on Temple, our Cambodian friends kindly new milestone in the cooperative partner-
When
finally
we
When we finally arrived at the guided us to witness the ancient stone carv- ship between Cambodia and China. Their
the
at
arrived
long-awaited Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and
long-awaited Angkor W at, T a Prohm, and ings depicting the historical exchanges be- words ignited my imagination and filled me
Bayon temple, the sight of their magnifi-
Ba yon t em pl e , t he si ght of t hei r m a gni fi - with anticipation for the future beauty that
cent architecture, intricate stone carvings,
cent architecture, intricate s tone carvings , Cambodia holds.