At the intersection of Eurasia, nestled between the Caucasus Mountains, lies a charming and mysterious niche country - Georgia. Its local customs, traditions, as well as its cuisine and cultural offerings are truly unforgettable.

Shot by Mr DING Qinglong, Famous Photographer

On November 2024, five months after the visa-free agreement between China and Georgia came into effect, global marketing agency HooJoo PR, embarked on a cultural journey to Batumi. Invited by the Head of the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Ajara, the tour included Chinese travel experts, acclaimed photographers, and renowned content creators.

Ms YIN, Global Consulting Director of HooJoo and Chef Gia

Like most Western countries, Georgia is a nation that loves bread and cheese. Khachapuri, Georgia's version of pizza, is shaped like a boat with pointed ends, thus also known as the "cheese boat". Its texture lies somewhere between that of ordinary European bread and Xinjiang nang. It’s the perfect combination of rich cheese and soft dough is best enjoyed while it's hot! When dining at Ajarian Khachapuri in Batumi, you can not only taste authentic Khachapuri but also learn the making process from the head chef.

Ms LIU Lingyan, Chief Traveler of China National Tourism and Chef Gia

The Chinese influencers had a hands-on experience in making Khachapuri, the process of making Khachapuri is like magic. First, flatten the dough, and then skillfully roll it into a boat shape, which requires great care and patience. Next, cover the "boat" with fresh cheese that tastes mellow and extremely fragrant. The most amazing moment comes when the baked Khachapuri is taken out of the oven. Gently crack a raw egg in the center of the "boat", symbolizing the sun and peace and praying for the safe return of sailors at sea.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Ajara State Museum, where the group encountered an extraordinary exhibit: an ivory chess set crafted by Oriental artisans in the late 16th to early 17th century. Each piece in this set is intricately modeled after characters from Chinese mythology, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and the deep cultural exchanges between East and West throughout history. The museum has two floors, with rich and distinctive collections. If you're interested in the history and culture of Batumi, you'll find it rewarding to visit here as each exhibit tells a story of the past.

Ms CHEN Shujun, Famous TikTok Influencer

Driving to the Ajarian Wine House on the outskirts of Batumi, Chinese travelers got baskets and scissors for the day's grape-picking. Besides picking, there was a special activity in the vineyard - singing to the grapes. It's said this helps grapes stay happy, making better wine. There, they sang cheerful songs with locals under the sun, facing the grapevines. After picking, they visited the cellar to learn about the grape-to-wine process. The locals patiently explained each step from fermentation to bottling, full of craftsmanship and enthusiasm.

The luckiest thing was to catch up with the Gandagana Festival in Batumi! This festival is like the Georgian version of the farmers' harvest festival. It is not only a celebration but also a profound cultural experience. Walking in the festival market, one can see a dazzling array of exquisite handicrafts and rural souvenirs, each carrying the ingenuity and stories of the craftsmen. And the most unforgettable part is undoubtedly those wonderful folk performances. People in traditional costumes sing and dance, with laughter and applause mingling in the music, as if the whole world is cheering for this harvest season.

At the end of the journey, Chinese influencers and Georgian friends cruised together on the beautiful Black Sea, forging a profound friendship. Georgia is known as God's Backyard, it is the place described by Pushkin as being adjacent to the immortals, one of the top ten travel destinations selected by Lonely Planet, the "end of the world" in ancient Greek mythology, the birthplace of wine, located at the crossroads between Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and was once part of the famous Silk Road.

Shot by Ms LIU Lingyan

The trip of Chinese travelers to Georgia this time has undoubtedly added a significant and memorable chapter to the development of cultural exchanges and friendship between the two countries. It also makes more people look forward to more meaningful interactions and cooperation between the two countries in the future.