China is India’s biggest trade partner and this partnership is growing stronger by the day with many similarities between the two countries.

WITH THE Tourism Minister of India, KJ Alphons, leading a 24 member strong delegation to China for the Incredible India Tourism Road in Beijing in August, it is very clear that India-China relationship is special in many ways. The historical and civilizational links along with the flourishing exchanges between the two regions over a period of time has enriched the knowledge and understanding of life and its dimensions.

“China, today, is India’s biggest trade partner and this partnership is growing stronger by the day,” said Anil Oraw, Regional Director, India Tourism Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. Speaking at the Hangzhou Tourism Road Show in the capital, Oraw stated the many similarities between the Indian and Chinese tourism products, which could help in promoting greater cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism. Some of these are: Both are fascinating destinations and share glorious ancient heritage and civilization as old as mankind; Travelling distances are short as a result package tours could be more economical; Both the countries have cultural diversities and historically warm relations.

In 2017, 2,47,235 Chinese tourists visited India and the number of Indians visiting Hangzhou were approx. 16,000 with a huge potential to grow in the coming years.

“We are aiming to put in place high standard of tourism infrastructure across the country in which we feel there is ample scope for participation of Chinese entrepreneurship. We are also developing unique tourism products such as wellness, ayurveda and yoga which are steeped in the ancient knowledge of healing. The magic of India will have a lasting impact on visitors which is why a visit to India is often described as an experience of a lifetime!,” added Oraw.

The trade show presented an exquisite collection of Wensli silk products esp. scarves and fashion wear produced in Hangzhou.

The hometown of Alibaba Group Holding, China’s largest e-commerce company, Hangzhou, is the capital of China’s Zhejiang province. One of China’s most enduringly popular holiday spots, Hangzhou offers scenic vistas near the city’s West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated by poets and artists since the 9th century, encompasses islands (reachable by boat), temples, pavilions, gardens and arched bridges.