An international academic seminar about Zhangjiakou will be held from Aug 16 to 18 in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province. The long history and cultures of Zhangjiakou, which was an important international hub in the past, will be discussed, as well as the city's connection with the Belt and Road Initiative.

It will invite about 80 scholars from China and 10 overseas countries such as the United States, Russia and Australia, organizers announced at a news conference in Beijing.

Wang Jingwu, Zhangjiakou's deputy Party secretary, said that during the 13th century, the city connected China with East Asia, the Middle East and Europe along the Silk Road. The seminar can promote the city’s glorious past and make the world understand more about China.

As Beijing and Zhangjiakou will jointly hold the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, he is confident about Zhangjiakou's tourism potential. He said it's a good gateway for holidays, with its attractive natural environment.