SUINING, China, March 21 (Z.Xian) — The 2026 “Spring of Friendship” event, organized by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, concluded this week in Suining, a city in southwest China positioned within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic region.
Held from March 20 to 21, the event brought together Chinese and international participants for cultural exchange activities, local industry visits and discussions aimed at expanding cooperation.
Liu Quansheng, president of the association, said the initiative is intended to strengthen people-to-people ties and support Sichuan’s broader efforts to expand international engagement.
Chen Weiqi, director of the Chengdu office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, highlighted Suining’s tourism potential and expressed interest in deeper collaboration in the sector.
Participants visited a range of cultural and industrial sites across Suining, including historical landmarks tied to Chen Zi’ang, exhibitions of Song Dynasty porcelain, and facilities linked to the city’s growing lithium industry.
Suining is home to a major collection of Song Dynasty ceramics, including artifacts discovered in 1991 that are now preserved in a local museum. Among the highlights is a Longquan celadon jar noted for its craftsmanship and historical value.
Guests also toured rural revitalization projects such as Yonghe Homeland, where agricultural, cultural and tourism initiatives have been integrated to support local development. Activities included experiencing traditional stone collage art using materials from the Fujiang River.
Industrial visits included Tianqi Lithium, where participants were introduced to lithium resource development and battery material production, a sector in which Suining has positioned itself as a regional hub.
At the Tuopai Shede Cultural Tourism Zone, visitors explored traditional Chinese liquor production alongside modern manufacturing practices, reflecting efforts to combine heritage industries with contemporary management.
Evening activities along the Fujiang River highlighted the city’s urban landscape, while a visit to Jinhua Mountain included a group recitation of classical poetry associated with Chen Zi’ang.
Organizers said the event served as both a cultural exchange platform and a venue for dialogue on future cooperation. It also aligns with broader regional efforts to integrate Suining more closely into the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and expand its international outreach.
