Chongqing- People, animals, natural resources, and distinct cultures coexist along the Mekong River. There is continued cooperation between the Mekong River nations: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation maintain a high level of development with a successful regional cooperation model. In 2022, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation launched another five-year plan. Kanbao Ntawan, the Ambassador of Laos, led a delegation to Chongqing from July 6 to 8 for cultural and tourist communication and exchanges.

The delegation of the embassy of Laos PDR in China and the team of the acrobatic show (Photo provided to iChongqing)

On July 6, the delegation explored urban Chongqing. In addition to visiting the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe, the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Company, and the Chongqing International Cultural and Tourism Exchange Center, the delegation also met the creative team behind the large-scale original play for the 5th Sichuan Opera Festival. Additionally, the delegation visited the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe's development history hall, the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Museum, and the Jialing River Cableway Museum. Delegation members also viewed special exhibitions on the Mekong River, Chongqing, and Laos. They enjoyed a fantastic acrobatic show, Chongqing Festival Symphony Orchestra's ensemble of Western instruments, and the local intangible cultural heritage music performance.

The delegation of the embassy of Laos PDR in China visited Wulong (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Meanwhile, the delegation visited Wulong on July 7 and 8 to aid in the internationalization of Wulong's tourism to make Wulong a key destination for international visitors in southern Chongqing. They also enjoyed Impression Wulong, a large-scale live-action show.

The delegation of the embassy of Laos PDR in China in Wulong (Photo provided to iChongqing)

"Laos and Chongqing have distinct differences, but their tourism resources complement one another. The two places are significant tourist destinations for each other. Besides, we should share revitalization experiences by tourism, deepening cooperation between two places," said Kanbao Ntawan. "Next, I hope we can co-organize the key cultural and tourism exchange event, Chongqing-Laos World Heritage Dialogue."

The delegation of the embassy of Laos PDR in China visited the Sichuan Opera. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Among the first members of the Lancang-Mekong Tourism City Cooperation Alliance, Chongqing focuses on enhancing exchanges and cooperation with other countries along the Mekong River in various fields, such as culture, tourism, radio, television, and art. At the same time, Chongqing will continue to expand tourism in the Lancang-Mekong region and fully participate in the "Belt and Road" project.