Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron spent Friday in the historic city of Dujiangyan in Chengdu, sharing warm exchanges that highlighted the growing personal rapport between the two leaders. The visit marked an important cultural moment during Macron’s trip to China and offered both sides an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding.
When Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, arrived in Sichuan, they were greeted with an atmosphere of hospitality. President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, welcomed them with genuine warmth, setting a friendly tone for the day. The region, often called the Land of Abundance for its rich history and natural beauty, provided a fitting backdrop for the two leaders to reconnect. Xi noted that the surroundings would give the French president a deeper appreciation of China’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Xi took a moment to recall his own visit to France’s Hautes Pyrenees last year at Macron’s invitation, describing it as a memorable experience that had strengthened his understanding of French culture. He added that he hoped Macron’s time in Sichuan would create a similar impression and help broaden the French president’s view of China beyond its major cities. Their shared recollections created an easy and familiar tone between the two couples as they prepared to explore one of China’s most historically significant sites.
The Dujiangyan irrigation system was the centerpiece of the visit. Considered the world’s only ancient irrigation project still functioning today, it stands as a testament to early Chinese engineering and environmental wisdom. Xi explained that the system was more than a technical achievement. It embodied a philosophy of coexistence between people and nature, one that allowed communities to thrive without harming the surrounding environment.
He also highlighted the values reflected in its construction. Xi described the irrigation system as an example of the Chinese spirit of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the willingness to push forward through difficult conditions. For him, the site represented not only historical ingenuity but also cultural continuity, showing how traditional wisdom continues to shape modern China.
Macron appeared engaged as Xi spoke, taking in the landscape and the deep cultural significance behind the project. The visit offered the French leader a more intimate look at China’s historical evolution and its approach to environmental management, a topic of growing global importance.
The encounter in Chengdu added a personal dimension to the broader diplomatic discussions taking place during Macron’s trip. While both leaders continue to navigate complex geopolitical and economic issues, their exchanges in Dujiangyan emphasized the value of cultural understanding and human connection in international relations.
