An Official Invitation From Beijing's Government and China-Arab TV

I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. This past week was a bit different from my usual routine with clients -- I joined a delegation of Arab content creators for the "Silk Road Big-V Beijing Tour 2026" (丝路大V北京行2026), organized by the Information Office of the Beijing Municipal People's Government together with China-Arab TV (中阿卫视 / CATV), under the theme "A New Silk Road Journey, Building a Shared Future Together."

Hesham Al-Daaja at the Silk Road Big-V Beijing Tour 2026 event

I'm sharing this here because it's a real part of my life in China, and because a lot of you ask me: "Are you actually based in China, or is this just a page?" This is one of those times I can prove it officially and on record.

A Humanoid Robotics Lab: A Strange and Wonderful Moment

One of the stranger moments was visiting the humanoid robotics innovation center run by China's UBTECH, where rows of human-shaped robots were being tested. I wrapped a red-and-white keffiyeh around one of the robots for a photo -- a small gesture, but it captured something about seeing Arab identity meet cutting-edge Chinese technology in the same frame.

Hesham draping an Arab keffiyeh over a humanoid robot at UBTECH's innovation center in Beijing

The Great Wall and the Bird's Nest

The delegation also visited the Great Wall, where we stood with a group of fellow Arab participants for a sunset photo -- one of the best moments, even though I've visited the Wall dozens of times before with my own clients. We also walked the glass rooftop skywalk over the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium), about 69.2 meters up, with a full view over the Olympic complex and the city.

Hesham with fellow participants at the Great Wall during the Silk Road Beijing 2026 tour

Hesham on the rooftop skywalk above Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium

A Real Cultural Bridge: Arabic Calligraphy, Traditional Dress, and an Official Certificate

At the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, the delegation took part in a photo session in traditional Chinese dress, standing behind a banner of Arabic calligraphy reading "China-Arab friendship endures" (中阿友谊长存). At the end of the event, I received an official participation certificate signed by the organizing body, with my full name, documenting my part in it.

The Arab delegation at the Silk Road Beijing 2026 tour behind a China-Arab friendship calligraphy banner

Hesham Al-Daaja's official participation certificate from the Silk Road Big-V Beijing Tour 2026

Why Share This?

To show that my life in China is real and documented, not just content on a screen
Because this kind of event reflects a real relationship I've built with Chinese official and media bodies over my years living here
Because my personal experience in Beijing is the same experience I use to help you plan your own trips and deals

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Beijing?

I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019 and based specifically in Beijing. If you're planning a trip, a business deal, or just have a question about the city, message me directly on WhatsApp.