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On May 21, the 8th China Western International Investment and Trade Fair opened in Chongqing. Themed “New West, New Manufacturing, New Services,” this year’s fair invited the United Kingdom as the guest country of honor, Sichuan Province as the permanent guest province, and Gyeonggi Province in South Korea as the guest city of honor. Nearly 1,400 enterprises from 50 countries and regions participated in the exhibition. Pictured is the exhibition scene of the Western Fair, where visitors are viewing the Chongqing Pavilion.

Chongqing

Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China, known for its mountainous terrain and strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. It served as the provisional capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and has since grown into a key economic and cultural hub. Today, it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, particularly hotpot, and its unique urban landscape of steep hills and futuristic architecture.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its history is marked by the unification of these nations over centuries, the rise of the British Empire as a global power, and its role in both World Wars. Today, the UK is known for its rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge, and its influence on language, politics, and industry worldwide.

Sichuan Province

Sichuan Province in southwestern China is known for its rich cultural heritage, spicy cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic Giant Panda sanctuaries. Historically, it was a cradle of ancient civilizations, such as the Shu Kingdom, and served as a vital refuge for the Chinese government during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of art, religion, and economic activity, with Chengdu as its bustling capital.

Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province is the most populous province in South Korea, surrounding the capital city of Seoul. Historically, it has been a key region since the Joseon Dynasty, serving as the central hub for politics, economy, and culture due to its proximity to the royal capital. Today, it is known for its blend of modern cities, historical sites, and natural attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.

South Korea

South Korea is a vibrant East Asian nation with a rich history spanning thousands of years, from the ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla to the modern Republic established after World War II. Its cultural heritage includes landmarks like the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the historic Bulguksa Temple, and the Jeju volcanic island, reflecting a blend of Confucian traditions and rapid technological advancement. Despite the division with North Korea, South Korea has emerged as a global leader in pop culture, economy, and innovation.

Big Ben

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the

Chongqing

Chongqing, a major city in southwest China, has a rich history as a vital inland port along the Yangtze River and served as the wartime capital of the Republic of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). Known for its dramatic mountain landscape, it is a modern economic hub famous for its spicy hotpot cuisine and futuristic skyline. The city also preserves cultural landmarks like the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring intricate Buddhist sculptures dating back to the 7th century.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is a sovereign country with a rich history that includes the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. It was a central power in the British Empire, which at its height was the largest empire in history. Today, the UK is known for its cultural influence, parliamentary democracy, and landmarks such as Big Ben and Stonehenge.

Sichuan Province

Sichuan Province, located in southwestern China, is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes, including the famous Jiuzhaigou Valley and Mount Emei. Historically, it was a major center of the ancient Shu civilization and later became a crucial region for trade along the Southern Silk Road. Today, Sichuan is best known for its spicy cuisine, giant panda sanctuaries, and the Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage site built over 2,000 years ago.

Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province is a historical and cultural region surrounding Seoul, South Korea, that has served as a vital hub since the Three Kingdoms period. It was formally established in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty to support the capital, and it contains significant sites such as the royal tombs of the Joseon dynasty and the ancient fortress of Suwon Hwaseong. Today, it is the most populous province in South Korea, blending rapid urban development with preserved cultural heritage.

South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a vibrant East Asian nation known for its rapid transformation from a war-torn country in the 1950s into a global leader in technology, pop culture, and industry. Its rich history spans thousands of years, including the ancient Three Kingdoms period, centuries of Chinese influence, and Japanese colonization (1910-1945), followed by the Korean War and subsequent democratic development. Today, South Korea is celebrated for its dynamic cities like Seoul, traditional heritage sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, and cultural exports like K-pop and Korean cuisine.

Big Ben

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster in London. Completed in 1859, the iconic clock tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United Kingdom, surviving the Blitz during World War II and undergoing recent renovations to preserve its historic structure.