TEHRAN – On Wednesday, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts revealed that a grand exhibition named “glory of Persia” is scheduled to launch in a Beijing museum in December.

Ezzatollah Zarghami highlighted the significance of that exhibition, emphasizing its potential to shed light on Iran's history and culture, captivating the interest of Chinese tourists.

“This exhibition promises to play a pivotal role in introducing Iran's history and civilization, and it is expected to attract some Chinese nationals to visit Iran.”

The loan exhibit will feature 211 valuable historical artifacts, ranging from the Iron Age to the Safavid era, he said.

While specific details regarding the exact dates and the museum hosting the exhibition were not disclosed, the minister underscored the importance of this cultural exchange.

“This exhibition not only aims to showcase Iran's historical significance but also serves as an influential tool for promoting the country's tourism advantages and strengthening cultural ties between Iran and China.”

He said as part of a mutual agreement with China, an exhibition showcasing their cultural treasures will also be held at the National Museum of Iran.

Zarghami’s deputy for tourism in October said Chinese arrivals in Iran had been soaring at a faster pace even when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“The demand for visiting Iran has been soaring among Chinese nationals,” Ali-Asghar Shalbafian said. He made the remarks in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Lu Ying Chuang held in Tehran’s Sa’dabad historical complex.

Shalbafian said some 50,000 travelers from China visited the Islamic Republic during the first seven months of the year (started on March 21).

The Islamic Republic in 2019 waived the visa requirement for Chinese nationals willing to visit the country. The decision was made to attract more foreign tourists to the country. However, it was a unilateral measure, because Iranian tourists visiting China still need visas.

AFM