The Hague, 28 November 2025 — The China Cultural Centre in The Hague hosted a warm and lively gathering as the “Hello, China!” Inbound Tourism and Aviation Exchange and the China Eastern Airlines Winter–Spring Route & Product Promotion for the Netherlands Region were successfully held at the Centre. The event was co-organised by the China Cultural Centre in The Hague and the Amsterdam Office of China Eastern Airlines.

Among the speakers was renowned Dutch travel expert and long-time “China-knower” Tom Lops (Dong Mu) from TUI, Europe’s largest travel agency, who shared his first first-hand experiences travelling in China under the new visa-free policy. Nearly seventy guests from Dutch cultural and tourism sectors, major travel agencies and travel enthusiasts attended the event, together with Wang Zheng, Director of the China Cultural Centre in The Hague, and Mi Peigen, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines Amsterdam Office.

The event was hosted by Director Wang Zheng, who expressed appreciation for Tom Lops and other friends who have long been committed to presenting a real, multidimensional China to the Dutch public. He also thanked China Eastern Airlines for its long-standing contribution to exchanges between China and the Netherlands.

He stressed that tourism is “a vital bridge that promotes dialogue between civilisations and connects people’s hearts”, and encouraged more Dutch travellers to seize the opportunity of visa-free entry to experience China in person.

Having travelled across China more than thirty times, Tom Lops (Dong Mu) focused this talk on China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. Through a rich collection of photographs he captured himself, he led the audience on a visual journey across the vast highlands — from the majestic Potala Palace and the devout pilgrims before the Jokhang Temple, to emerald lakes embraced by snow-covered peaks, and the sincere, heartwarming smiles of people living in China’s Xizang region.

Beyond the awe-inspiring natural scenery, Tom shared emotional moments from his journeys. He also introduced practical tips for travelling in high-altitude regions such as Xizang, and highlighted how China’s tourism authorities have improved services for international visitors in areas including mobile payments, internet usage, accommodation and transportation — providing Dutch travellers with highly useful reference information.

During the exchange, General Manager Mi Peigen presented China Eastern Airlines’ latest network expansion, new international routes, and the strategic progress of “flying further, flying globally, and flying towards emerging markets”. He highlighted key CEAir products such as SHANGHAI PASS, Shanghai Transfer Service, Air Express, Airport Connect, Air–Bus Intermodal Service, and Air–Water Intermodal Service.

Currently, China Eastern Airlines operates daily flights between Amsterdam and Shanghai using its flagship Boeing 777 aircraft, offering a comfortable travel experience, smooth transit procedures and attentive end-to-end service — providing Dutch tourists with a reliable and enjoyable option for planning their journey to China.

Two complimentary flight tickets were offered as special lucky-draw prizes, lifting the atmosphere to its peak. The winners were met with enthusiastic applause, bringing the dream of travelling to China even closer.

After the event, attendees stayed to exchange travel questions with Tom Lops and China Eastern Airlines staff. Many remarked that the session felt like “a timely rainfall” — not only dispelling outdated impressions, but also greatly strengthening their confidence and eagerness to visit China with the help of authoritative and practical information.

The China Cultural Centre in The Hague will continue to host informative, practical and culturally enriching events, providing Dutch audiences with a window into contemporary China and building stronger bridges of friendship and cultural resonance between the peoples of China and the Netherlands.