Over 619 years ago, the legendary Chinese navigator Zheng He set sail from Jiangsu, embarking on seven voyages to the Western Seas, reaching the East African coast. Along the Tanzanian coast, the discovery of Chinese porcelain shards witnesses an extraordinary maritime journey, a saga of cultural exchange, and the shared history between China and Tanzania that transcends oceans and time.

In this new era, Tanzania plays an initiatory role in China’s African policy. Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the significant conceptual value and guiding importance of China-Tanzania relations, emphasizing their alignment with the historic momentum of development in the Global South. China is committed to working with Tanzania to establish this relationship as a model of China-Africa ties and Global South Cooperation, thereby contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind. 

As we celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties, Jiangsu, guided by the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Tanzania, seeks to build on this enduring friendship through extensive collaboration in culture, tourism, education, and trade. 

Surmounting mountains and oceans, shaping our future together. The meeting of the “Charm of Jiangsu” and the “Pearl of East Africa” represents a deep-rooted friendship and shared interest between the two regions, carrying the aspirations for a better future. These aspirations reflect a united pursuit of modernization and a joint commitment to building a high-level China-Africa community of shared destiny. 
 
 Cultural tourism blossoms: Seeking the poetic distance together
In July this year, a Tanzanian television drama titled “Welcome to Maile Village”, inspired by stories of Chinese medical aid teams in Zanzibar, was a hit in Tanzania. A Tanzanian netizen commented, “Maile” is the phonetic translation of the Swahili word for “forever,” symbolizing everlasting Sino-African friendship. As a Tanzanian who speaks Chinese, this drama brought my two worlds together, and I absolutely loved it.”
Cultural and tourism exchanges have become a bridge for fostering mutual understanding. Through this bridge, countless heartwarming stories of national friendship and people-to-people bonds have unfolded between Jiangsu and Tanzania. 

Tanzania is a natural and historical extension of the Maritime Silk Road, while Jiangsu sits at the intersection of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. The two sides have a deep Silk Road friendship. In Jiangsu, landmarks like the Longjiang Shipyard in Nanjing, Tianfei Palace in Suzhou, and Wenfeng Tower in Yangzhou serve as “living relics” of Maritime Silk Road history. 

 In Tanzania, an artist named Kabogo runs a gallery where he paints and sells artworks in his 30s. His depictions of wildlife, vivid and vibrant, convey the purity of nature through surrealist techniques. Kabogo, who learned his craft from street artists, says his works in the Tingatinga style—an iconic Tanzanian art form—are popular among tourists. He expressed that many Chinese people, including those from Jiangsu, have bought his paintings, giving him a sense of recognition for his creations.

 Both Jiangsu and Tanzania are renowned for their rich humanistic heritage. As a cradle of human civilization, Tanzania is home to world heritage sites like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, treasures of universal value. Tanzania has participated for several years in the Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo held in Jiangsu, leaving a profound impression with African-inspired woodcarvings and woven crafts. A resident of Suzhou, Fan Xia, remarked, “Tanzania’s unique cultural tourism resources have allowed me to deeply appreciate African culture and understand the significance of cultural exchange.” 

Jiangsu, as one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, boasts a harmonious blend of graceful Wu, vigorous Chu-Han, lovely Huaiyang, and elegant Jinling cultures. Fatia Saidi, a Tanzanian student at Jiangsu University, said that world cultural heritages such as Suzhou Gardens and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are intertwined, and world intangible cultural heritages such as Kunqu Opera and Yunjin brocade are everlasting and new. “Time is too short to experience many other profound historical and cultural hit points.”

 Both Jiangsu and Tanzania are closely tied to water. Tanzania, one of Africa’s most water-rich nations, is home to the Nile and Lake Victoria. Meanwhile, water bodies cover one-sixth of Jiangsu’s 100,000 square kilometers, making it the only Chinese province with a combination of major rivers, lakes, and seas. This shared affinity of water enriches the dialogue between the two regions, creating a natural synergy for cultural and tourism exchanges.

 At the 6th Xugong International Customer Festival held in May this year, over 1,200 overseas business guests gathered in Xuzhou to experience the culture of the Han Dynasty and explore the scenic beauty of Pengcheng. Ali from Tanzania immersed himself in the afterglow of the sunset by Yunlong Lake. He said, “The rippling waters and the soaring birds are so beautiful. I hope to bring my family next time, and I even plan to send my children to university in Jiangsu.”
 
 Hundreds of boats race forward: A Kaleidoscope of cooperation

 “True friendship brings people close however far apart they may be.” 

 Healthcare cooperation is a cornerstone of the bond between Tanzania and Jiangsu. Zanzibar’s President, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has praised Chinese medical teams for providing advanced treatments, training local doctors, and building a foundation for Zanzibar’s medical development. In September, Dr. Kamis Ali Kombo from Zanzibar’s Kivunge District Hospital attended the Belt and Road Training Program for Healthcare Excellence, organized by Jiangsu Province Hospital. “Doctors from Jiangsu taught us how to treat accident victims, such as those with fractures and trauma, enhancing our emergency response capabilities,” he shared. 

 The Chinese saying “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime” embodies this partnership. In 2013, Jiangsu’s Jielong Group invested $30 million to establish Jielong Holdings (Tanzania) Ltd in Tanzania’s Nyanga Province, introducing modern agricultural practices. The company collaborates with over 30 farmers’ organizations, providing materials, field management, and training to enhance agricultural self-sufficiency. 

 At Lake Victoria, Johnna, a Tanzanian, has been studying aquaculture techniques at Jiangsu’s Freshwater Fisheries Research Center in Wuxi. “I hope to bring these methods back to Tanzania to benefit my community,” he said.
 
Collaborative development: Sharing a bright future

 “With shared aspirations, no distance is too great.”

 During the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation this September, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her nation’s commitment to becoming a model platform for innovative socio-economic cooperation between Africa and China. She reaffirmed Tanzania’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative to deliver tangible benefits to the people. Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping, she noted, “The development of China-Africa relations is an ongoing journey, never a completed task.”  

 Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania, Jiangsu and Tanzania are joining hands to elevate practical cooperation across various sectors to new heights.  

 “Let all appreciate their own beauty and that of others.” On November 20, the Jiangsu-Tanzania Cultural Tourism Promotion and Exchange Event will be held in Mwanza, Tanzania. Using this opportunity, Jiangsu aims to promote cultural exchange, foster industrial synergy, and enhance mutual trust and connection between the two regions. In a “mutual journey” of collaboration, Tanzania and Jiangsu will explore shared opportunities, enjoy the splendor of natural landscapes, and embrace future development prospects.  

 As a cultural and tourism powerhouse in China, Jiangsu combines ancient traditions with dynamic modernity. Here, water and culture intertwine, and humans coexist harmoniously with nature. “Charm of Jiangsu” is the province’s most distinctive feature, reflecting a vision of a beautiful life for all. To support the growth of tourism, Jiangsu’s Department of Culture and Tourism will sign a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Tanzania Tourism Board to enhance bilateral tourism development. Additionally, leading tourism companies from Jiangsu, including China Travel Service (Jiangsu), Tuniu Travel, and Tongcheng Travel, will partner with Tanzanian travel agencies to promote reciprocal tourism and expand the market together.  

 Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo, one of China’s most distinctive zoos, is home to over 260 rare species and more than 3,000 animals, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. The zoo plans to collaborate with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park on wildlife conservation initiatives. This partnership will focus on habitat preservation, species monitoring, and sharing expertise on ecological sustainability. Together, they aim to address critical conservation challenges and promote sustainable development.  

 The friendship forged along the Maritime Silk Road continues to flourish！ With open arms, we welcome Tanzanian friends to Jiangsu, a land where history and modernity meet. From picturesque water towns to bustling urban centers, the province offers a wealth of experiences: stroll through Suzhou’s classical gardens, marvel at Nanjing’s historical sites, and savor the blend of tranquility and vibrancy. Jiangsu awaits, ready to welcome you on an unforgettable journey along the Silk Road.