Angkor-Sino War Ties: Cambodia-China Exhibition Will Highlight Ancient Ties

The Ministry of Tourism will organize a remarkable mix of cultural and martial arts at the iconic Bayon Temple in Siem Reap province.

The Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Exhibition, scheduled for April 24, will present the event “When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor.”

“This event is part of the ‘Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024’ and is an effort to boost tourism and cultural exchanges between Siem Reap Province and Henan Province in China,” the ministry said of Tourism. .

The event, which starts at 7:30 am, promises an exciting encounter with masters of both Shaolin and Bokator martial arts.

“More than 500 attendees, including senior officials, members of various tourism associations, journalists and martial arts artists from both countries, are expected to attend the event,” the ministry announcement said.

The joint performance aims to strengthen cultural ties and present a unique tourist attraction that showcases the rich martial arts heritage of both countries.

Top Sopheak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, explained that the Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Exhibition is an initiative of Tourism Minister Sok Soken as part of the “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024” with the provincial administration of Henan. of China, as well as the provincial government of Siem Reap.

“It is an event that will attract more Chinese tourists and promote the potential of Cambodian tourism culture, as we have an exhibition of Chinese and Cambodian cultural and tourism products,” he told the Post.

Sopheak noted that Cambodia attracted about 540,000 Chinese tourists in 2023, and Cambodia is expected to welcome about 1 million guests from China in 2024.

The provincial leadership of the Shaolin School of Martial Arts, originally from Henan Province, will demonstrate their unique martial art, while Cambodia will also show off their Bokator from the Cambodian Bokator Association.

Long Kosal, spokesperson for the Apsara National Authority, emphasized the purpose of the event as a means to promote intercultural understanding. He emphasized its role in strengthening relations and promoting cooperation.

“When it comes to promoting tourism, culture plays a crucial role. It promotes better connections through mutual understanding,” he told The Post.

He expressed hope that such events will boost tourism in Siem Reap and attract more visitors for longer stays.

The “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024” is a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening cultural, social and educational exchanges between Cambodia and China.

This year-long special program aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two nations through a variety of activities, including cultural events, educational exchanges and tourism promotions.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to deepen diplomatic ties and cooperation while promoting greater mutual cultural appreciation and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In an effort to promote international cultural tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has invited tourism associations, the private sector and media representatives, both local and international, to participate and spread the word.

This event is not only a cultural exhibition, but also a platform to attract more Chinese tourists and investors, and is expected to make an important contribution to the ‘Visit Siem Reap 2024’ initiative, the ministry said.

The initiative, a tourism promotion campaign, was announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet in March.

It aims to boost tourism in Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park, by introducing a range of tax and travel incentives to attract more visitors, especially international visitors.

The initiative will be supported by the private sector and includes specific action plans to improve the tourism value chain in the region. This includes promoting local attractions, improving connectivity between major tourist destinations and creating an attractive tourism environment by 2024.

The collaboration is described as indicative of strengthening ties between Cambodia and China, promising to write a new chapter in their long-standing relationship.

It is a celebration of shared traditions and forging new alliances through the universal languages ​​of art and performance.