An Irish Philanthropist's Mission: Promoting Guizhou and Guangxi

From May 14 to 22, 2025, the China National Tourist Office (London) organized and sponsored a high-level familiarisation tour of Guizhou Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, inviting Pat McCarthy, Irish philanthropist and head of the Ireland Sino Institute, to join the delegation.

Though a guest of the tour, McCarthy embraced it as his personal mission to introduce the landscapes, traditions, and untold stories of southwest China to Europe and beyond.

Like St. Patrick, who walked across Ireland to spread knowledge and forge unity," Pat McCarthy said, "I see it as my mission to walk new lands, build cultural bridges, and help the world discover the beauty and wisdom of places like Guizhou and Guangxi."

Strengthening Cultural Connections

The delegation included 33 tourism professionals from across Europe-including Ireland, the UK, Finland, and Norway-on a journey designed to deepen cross-cultural understanding and tourism cooperation. During the trip, McCarthy signed an MOU with Guizhou officials to expand future collaboration in cultural and tourism exchanges.

Guizhou Experience

Participants visited landmarks like the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Baling River Bridge, and Dong and Miao ethnic villages, where they were welcomed with traditional hospitality and folk performances. The delegation also explored Libo's UNESCO World Heritage karst landscapes, including Xiaoqikong, Daqikong, and Cuigu Waterfall.

Guangxi Highlights

In Guangxi, visits included the remote Baiku Yao Village, the vast Dongtian Shengjing cave system, and Bama County, celebrated for its centenarians and health-preserving environment. The tour highlighted Guangxi's unique appeal as a destination for longevity tourism and eco-health experiences.

Lasting Impact

Inspired by the journey, McCarthy has begun actively promoting Guizhou and Guangxi across European platforms, leading to a rise in international interest and tourism inquiries. According to CNTO London's Zhang Li, the event marked the largest European familiarisation tour ever conducted for these two provinces.

Just as St. Patrick is remembered not only as a symbol of Irish identity but also as a man of compassion and charity, Pat McCarthy believes that cultural exchange and tourism can be powerful tools for uplifting communities. He hopes that this tour will do more than just introduce Guizhou and Guangxi to the world-it will help stimulate sustainable development, reduce poverty rates, and foster common prosperity across the region. In his words, "When cultures meet with mutual respect and purpose, everyone rises together."

For more on this wonderful China tour, please visit:

https://irelandchinainstitute.eu/2025/06/15/irishmans-china-tour-awakens-the-imagination-of-europe/

If you're interested in exploring the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique longevity traditions of Guizhou and Guangxi, we invite you to learn more. Visiting these regions offers not only an unforgettable travel experience, but also helps support local communities and promote sustainable development.

For more information, please contact us at: https://irelandchinainstitute.eu/contact-team/

The Ireland Sino Institute,
Number 6 & 7 Binhebei Street,
Changtu Town,
Tieling,
Liaoning Province,
China,
112500

Press Contact: Pat McCarthy
Email: team@irelandchinainstitute.eu
Phone: 008613358993352

The Ireland Sino Institute strengthens ties between Ireland, Europe, and China through initiatives in education, business, tourism, culture, and philanthropy.

They are registered under the Charities Act of the PRC.

Ireland in China Homepage:
https://irelandchinainstitute.eu/

This release was published on openPR.