ASEAN media representatives visited Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday, enjoying the centuries-old cultural heritage of the ancient Lingqu Canal scenic spot and exploring modern day Chinese engineering.
The ASEAN Media Partners "China Up Close" Guangxi Tour was a part of the ongoing 2024 ASEAN Media Partners Cooperation Week, which started on Friday.

Located in Guilin City's Xing'an County, Lingqu Canal is an engineering marvel built over 2,000 years ago to connect central China with the Lingnan region, facilitating both trade and cultural exchange.

During the visit, the media group joined a virtual discussion with engineers on the Pinglu Canal, China's first large-scale canal project since the country's founding.While Lingqu Canal represents China's ancient ingenuity in waterway construction, the Pinglu Canal showcases modern advancements. Currently under construction, the canal will open a direct route from Guangxi to the ASEAN nations, featuring high-tech elements like the world's fastest water-lock gate.

"I am greatly interested in the historical artifacts uncovered during the canal construction and deeply admire China’s efforts to preserve its heritage," said Encik Jelberter anak Robert, a Malaysian journalist.

The delegation also visited the nearby Lingqu Museum, where they explored exhibits telling the story of the canal's construction during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).