Chongqing - In early July, Marco Clementi, chief journalist to China and Asia of the Rai-Tg1 Italian National Television, and his crew came to Chongqing to shoot the long documentary "China." 

The crew has visited Dazu Rock Carvings, Vespa&Piaggio Chongqing flagship store, the Yangtze River Cableway, and Ciqikou Ancient Town to get some shots and interviews. The documentary will be broadcast on Rai-Tg1 Italian National Television at the end of September.

Dazu Rock Carvings: a symbol of China-Italian Cooperation

In the Dazu District, the Rai crew learned in detail about the protection and utilization of relics through the filming and interviews with related experts and scholars at the Beishan Rock Carvings and the Shucheng Grottoes.

In 2017, Chongqing Dazu Rock Carving Research Institute signed a cooperation agreement with the Italian Veneto Cultural Heritage Cluster. The institute used advanced Italian cultural relic restoration technology to restore the Statue built on the cliff of the Shuchengyan Grotto in the Dazu Rock Carving Archaeological Site. The project, which is also a cooperation model between China and Italy to restore cultural relics, has been completed.

"The Dazu Rock Carvings are so exquisite, and I was shocked! What also blew me away was the effort made by the Chinese cultural heritage conservation authorities to preserve them," said Marc.

Vespa&Piaggio: Italian style in Chongqing

Founded by Enrico Piaggio and designed by engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, the Italian scooter brand Vespa was born in 1946. In the Hollywood movie Roman Holiday, the scene of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck riding a Vespa through Rome made the brand famous worldwide. 

In 2017, the Chongqing flagship store of Vespa&Piaggio opened in Liangjiang New Area. At the store, the Rai crew filmed the entire space created for motorcycle lovers in the mountainous city and learned about Chongqing consumers' love for Vespa.

The Yangtze River Cableway: witness Chongqing's development

Opening in October 1987, the Yangtze River Cableway is the first large passenger ropeway across the river and a unique cultural symbol of Chongqing. The Rai crew rode the cableway across the Yangtze River and experienced the Huguang Guild Hall and Jiefangbei CBD. Marco said, "The cableway connects the past and modern life of Chongqing and is the miniature of urban development."

Ciqikou Ancient Town: a symbol of the old Chongqing

Located on the banks of the Jialing River, the Ciqikou Ancient Town symbolizes the old Chongqing. The crew members were deeply attracted by the ancient stone roads, teahouses, courtyards, and the traditional life here. While filming, they were greatly impressed by the old architecture, folk customs, and folk crafts. In addition, they interviewed the shop owner of a calligraphy store, experienced tea culture in the dock teahouse, captured the ancient town scenery with a unique perspective, and appreciated the charm of Chongqing culture.

(Tan Sirui, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)