Traditional Kazakh clothes are staged at the tourism reception. Photo: Hou Xiangjun/GT

The first leg of "Visit Aktobe" was successfully held in Beijing on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming tourism year of Kazakhstan in China in 2024. 

The event showcased the unique charm of Aktobe region in Kazakhstan with the aim of enhancing cultural exchanges between the two countries. It pulled in numerous guests from the Chinese tourism industry, diplomats from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in China. Chinese and Kazakh media also attended the event. 

"Tourism is the bridge to deepening mutual understanding between China and Kazakhstan," Karataev Zhasulan, advisor of Mayor of Aktobe region, emphasized at the reception. 

The year of 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan. A joint statement was made to summarize the fruitful achievements of bilateral cooperation over the past decades, underlining a promising future of coordination between the two countries.

In May 2023, China and Kazakhstan signed the agreement on mutual visa exemption in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province. This will surely bring more confidence and hope for mutual cooperation between the two sides, Zhasulan said. 

During the event, accompanied by Kazakh traditional elegant music, Baixue, a Kazakh volunteer who studies at the Renmin University of China, along with "Visit Aktobe" tourism staff, warmly introduced to visitors six booths, which had Kazakhstani chocolates, carpets, embroidery handicrafts and pearls from Kazakh masters. 

To date, Aktobe region has been updated over 30 tourism routes, and 12 magnificent venues were featured at the reception such as the Mute Village, the Wolf Waterfall and Barkyn Sands.

Distinctive works made of silver, golden and gemstones by Kazakh Jewelry artist, Bolat Atraubaev. Photo: Hou Xiangjun/GT

Kazakh Jewelry artist, Bolat Atraubaev showed the distinctive works made of silver, golden and gemstones. There were various exquisite handmade works displayed such as bracelets and rings embedded with onyx. Among them, a silver ring caught the attention of many people as it resembles the shape of traditional Chinese architecture.

Many of his works used the red color, a color which represents China. Red also represents the fortune and beautiful symbolism in Kazakhstan, Atraubaev told the Global Times on Wednesday. 

"Friendship between our two countries will be ever-lasting," he told the Global Times. 

Kap Bulbul was a well-known Kazakh craftsman, recognized by UNESCO. She showed the handmade works such as carpets, bags and cushions to the Global Times reporter. All of them have traditional motifs of Kazakhstan. 

Following the introduction, the splendid show was also presented which showcased traditional Kazakh clothes by staging a piece of history. 

Aktobe region will plan to hold a series of activities to woo Chinese people. Meanwhile, the "Visit Aktobe" will also be held in Shanghai and South Korea.