DATONG, China — From May 11 to 13, a delegation of spouses of ambassadors to China from six nations—including Benin, the Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, and Chad—visited Tuoba City in Datong, Shanxi Province.

On May 12, the delegation arrived at Tuoba City, located at the historic Qingyuan Gate of the ancient city, to conduct an on-site inspection of the Tuobacity's investment environment. During the visit, they observed the concurrently held Expo event, "Honor Labor·Global Joy Shopping & the 4th National Products Pavilion Expo."

Expanding Trade and Entrepreneurial Opportunities 

 After listening to a presentation by the project head regarding the master plan, operational model, and investment policies of Tuoba City, the ambassadors' spouses expressed their commitment to actively promoting the project to their respective national trade departments and Chambers of Commerce in China, aiming to encourage more domestic enterprises to establish a presence in the "National Products Pavilion." Support policies for foreign merchants and international students were a key focus of the exchange. In particular, the spouses highly praised Tuoba City’s incentive of providing 100 rent-free apartments for merchants entering the National Products Pavilion and the Feast of All Nations Food Court. Integrating culture, tourism, commerce, and sports, Tuoba City is well-positioned to provide entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for international students, with the future potential to attract more overseas students studying in China to complete internships and launch careers in Datong.

Experiencing Datong's Rich Culture and Hospitality 

 Following their tour of the Expo, the delegation visited the Yungang Grottoes, the China Sculpture Museum, and the Datong Museum. The spouses noted that the profound Buddhist cultural atmosphere of the Yungang Grottoes left a deep impression. They also remarked that: 

• Datong's weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable compared to Beijing. 

• The ancient city walls are grand and majestic, and the historical architecture is exquisite. 

• The night scenery is exceptionally warm and inviting, offering a relaxed and comfortable pace of life. These impressions, captured from a unique perspective, beautifully highlight both Datong's rich historical depth and its welcoming, livable atmosphere.

Building Bridges for Future Cooperation

As spouses of ambassadors to China, they play a unique role as bridges for cultural and diplomatic exchange. This visit to Datong opens up broad prospects and channels for future cooperation between the six nations and the city of Datong across fields such as trade, tourism, and talent development.

The delegation concluded their visit and returned to Beijing on May 13, 2026.