The 2024 China Changsha Culture & Tourism Promotion Event was held in Bristol, the UK on August 10. A customized hot air themed "Happy Changsha, Charming Star City", brought by a delegation from the Changsha Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, and Television, made its debut at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024, Europe's largest international hot air balloon event. More than 100 guests from the British tourism, culture, and media sectors attended the event. Nearly 30,000 Bristol citizens and hot air balloon enthusiasts around the world witnessed and joined the release of balloons.

Spectators cheered "China, Changsha!" as the balloon was ready for release, pushing the atmosphere to a climax.

At the Changsha Culture & Tourism Promotion Event, Yi Ying, director of the Changsha Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, and Television, introduced Changsha's rich cultural tourism resources and featured products in detail, inviting British people and tourism practitioners to experience the unique charm and cuisine of Changsha and feel the hospitality of Changsha people. The event not only showcased Huxiang culture, but also deepened the British community's understanding of Changsha's cultural tourism resources. Additionally, the activity helped Changsha enhance its popularity and reputation on the international stage.

Founded in 1979, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has a history of 45 years and is the world's top and Europe's largest international hot air balloon event. This year marks the 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. During the festival, national flags of participating countries, including China, were raised in front of the Bristol City Hall, and tens of thousands of spectators witnessed the release of the Changsha hot air balloon.

This is the first hot air balloon representing the image of a Chinese mainland city that has flown in the skies over Europe so far.

Source: en.changsha.gov.cn