Chongqing—On August 29, leaders of global journalists' organizations visited the Baiheliang Underwater Museum and Fuling Zhacai Group in Fuling District, Chongqing, situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wujiang Rivers.

On August 29, leaders of global journalists' organizations visited the Baiheliang Underwater Museum in Fuling District, Chongqing. (Photo/ The 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum Media Center)

Mustafa Kuleli, General Secretary of the Press Council of Turkey, noted that exploring China's rich cultural heritage is a valuable experience for international journalists, all of whom are impressed by the underwater museum.

"I didn't know that under the water, some ancient Chinese inscriptions could be kept in such a good condition for such a long time; I was really surprised about that," said Moritz Lohmann, a transcultural media blogger from Germany.

"It's absolutely incredible," said Helena Kocová, Editor of Weekly Newspaper Naše Pravda from the Czech Republic. "It shows how much money and manpower that China invested to save this fantastic historical museum."

Baiheliang, meaning "white crane ridge," is a natural stone ridge in the Yangtze River, north of Fuling City. It stretches 1,600 meters long and averages 15 meters wide, named after the white cranes that once gathered there. 

The ridge is famous for its 165 inscriptions from various dynasties since the Tang Dynasty's Guangde period, including 108 of hydrological significance, 18 carved stone fish, two figures of Guan Yin (Avalokitesvara), and one white crane. 

Baiheliang is known as the "world's first ancient hydrological station," where the ancients used stone fish to measure water levels, much like modern hydrological stations do today.

Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group Co., Ltd. is a state-owned food processing company specializing in pickled vegetables and condiments that enhance meal flavors. The company is committed to expanding agricultural product exports and promoting the high-quality development of the Zhacai industry in international trade.

In 2023, Wujiang brand products were exported to 82 countries and regions, with an export value of US$8.6 million, and it strives to exceed US$10 million this year.

A factory of Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group Co., Ltd. (Photo/ The 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum Media Center)

At night, leaders of global journalists' organizations took a sightseeing boat to explore the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, enjoying the night view and experiencing the unique landscape of this mountain city.