5 families needed, to host 10 international guests in Hangzhou

What is Hangzhou, and what gives this city its unique feel?
This March, the Hangzhou International Communication Center, in collaboration with the Liangzhu Site Management Committee, extended a global invitation to recruit 10 international friends as Hangzhou Seekers—in-depth explorers of the city. This June, these participants will spend five days experiencing Hangzhou through an immersive, fully funded journey.

Thanks to enthusiastic recommendations from Hangzhou residents, the final lineup of Seekers has been confirmed! Coming from four continents, the group includes a renowned historian, an award-winning photographer, seasoned media professionals, and popular influencers with millions of followers—all united by a shared passion for cross-cultural exchange.
Meet the 10 International Friends
Let’s get to know the 10 international friends who will soon join you on a journey of mutual cultural exchange (in no particular order)! Which two would your family most like to pair up with? Feel free to mention it in your submitted plan!

Angelina Hui Qing Zhang (Female, Canada)
A seasoned social media strategist and high-quality overseas content creator with over 6 million followers across various platforms.
Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior  (Male, Brazil)
A well-known Brazilian lawyer active on social media, boasting 600,000 followers on Instagram.
David Ringo Miano (Male, USA)
A renowned American historian and science communicator with 300,000 followers in the history education niche.
Tunç Akkoç (Male, Turkiye)
A veteran media professional based in Istanbul, serving as the General Manager of Aydınlık newspaper and Editor-in-Chief of Harici Media, a digital media outlet.
Riehle Gunther (Male, Germany)
A German photographer, Grand Master of the Photographic Society of America (GMPSA), recognized among the world's top ten photographers, and recipient of the grand prize at the 2nd China Zhejiang International Photography Exhibition.
Francisca Molinero Gonzalez  (Female, Spain)
Principal of Brains International School, one of Spain's most prestigious international schools, which has become a primary educational institution for children of Chinese expatriates in Spain in recent years.
Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso (Male, Italy)
A distinguished Italian documentary director, recipient of the  "Giuseppe De Carli Award" for Best Documentary in News and Religious Traditions, and nominee at major film festivals such as Busan and Singapore.
Christina Papageorgopoulou (Female, Greece)
A Greek paleontologist dedicated to researching ancient DNA and population genetics in Greece and Europe, actively promoting public science through archaeological exhibitions and museum planning.
Kittiporn Tantrarungroj (Male, Thailand)
A Thai composer and choir conductor, leading "Voices of Bangkok," considered one of the finest choirs in Thailand.
Remonda Fayez Michel Zaki (Female,  Egypt)
An Egyptian archaeologist and curator at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

“What’s the Hangzhou feel you most want to experience?” This was a mandatory question we asked every potential Seeker who applied. One of the answers that both surprised and delighted us was their desire to “feel the everyday life and warmth of Hangzhou’s local community.”

Hangzhou, it is your turn
Now, we’re once again reaching out to Hangzhou families—seeking five warm and welcoming households to serve as local hosts. When the 10 international guests arrive in Hangzhou, these families will guide them through the city’s most unique charms from their own personal perspectives, sharing the true spirit of Hangzhou as seen through local eyes.
You don’t need to be an expert on Hangzhou’s three World Cultural Heritage sites—just know which little shop in Dama Lane serves the most authentic Fried Dough Sticks Wrapped in Thin Pancake.

You don’t have to be historians either, but you should be able to casually share the hidden stories of Hangzhou’s ancient courtyards tucked away in quiet streets and alleys.
You might even invite the documentary filmmaker from Italy to taste your grandmother’s homemade Glutinous Rice Balls Boiled in Fermented Wine; or take the journalist from Turkey out for a stroll as they show off their robot dog on the streets; Stroll with the Egyptian archaeologist down Yujie Alley as you listen to tales of Hangzhou from a thousand years ago; even the tabby cat that’s always napping in your neighborhood square might become the most vivid image of Hangzhou through the lens of an international master photographer…
These five Hangzhou families will become the storytellers of the city. No carefully scripted are needed—just the genuine, everyday life of Hangzhou locals as the paper, and the moments of a single day as the ink, to leave the world a unique “Eastern nostalgia” that belongs to Hangzhou alone.
Hangzhou International Exchange Family Application Guide
“Hangzhou, A Window to China's 5,000-year Civilization” is the theme of this in-depth Hangzhou exploration. The 10 Seekers come from various countries around the world,  and to ensure a meaningful cross-cultural exchange, please carefully read the following application details:
Requirements for international exchange families:

• You and your family must live in Hangzhou and be familiar with the city.
• Be friendly and open to international guests from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ideally, have a special skill or hobby and be able to document the journey through photos or videos.
• At least one family member should be fluent in English; knowledge of other languages like Spanish or Portuguese is a bonus.
• Be available on the afternoon of June 8 and all day on June 13.
• For the family exchange day on June 13, you’ll need to prepare a sightseeing plan for your guests. Please note that costs for family transportation, lunch, and other expenses on that day will be paid by you.

Benefits for Selected selected families:
A global network spanning four continents: The 10 international guests have outstanding achievements in their respective countries and fields. Through deep interactions during the journey, you’ll get to know each other better and build lasting friendships.

An immersive Hangzhou experience from a fresh perspective: Selected families will have the chance to take part in the “Hangzhou, A Window to China's 5,000-year Civilization” deep exploration, rediscovering Hangzhou’s three World Cultural Heritage sites through the eyes of diverse cultures.
Mutual growth and expanded influence: This is a journey of cultural exchange and shared understanding, a professional media team will document the journey. The resulting programs will be promoted not only in Hangzhou but also shared with audiences worldwide. Selected families will receive commemorative certificates to mark this meaningful chapter.
How to Apply:
Fill out the form: Please save and scan the QR code below to provide basic information about you and your family. Upload your proposed itinerary for June 13—the places you most want to recommend and personally guide your international guests through.
Social media self-nomination: Share your story via WeChat Channels, Xiaohongshu, or other platforms using text, photos, or videos. Be sure to include the hashtag #5000年中国看杭州 and tag @Hangzhoufeel.
Please submit your information by June 3. Our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible!

We sincerely look forward to your unique plans!
This meaningful intercontinental, cross-city cultural exchange will be truly exceptional thanks to your family’s personal involvement and warm hospitality.

Source: Hangzhoufeel