Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) visited the Radio and Television Administration, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region today (June 27), and exchanged views with representatives of Xinjiang Radio and Television Station, Xinjiang University and other institutions.

Last month, the Central Government expanded the Individual Visit Scheme to cover eight more cities including Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The purpose of RTHK's visit to Xinjiang this time is to explore with relevant organizations the co-production of programmes on the history, culture and people of Xinjiang and Hong Kong to promote visits and tourism between the people of the two places.

RTHK will produce a documentary titled "Lin Zexu – Beyond Destroying Opium in Humen" that focuses on some of Lin Zexu's lesser known stories when he took up an official post in Southern Xinjiang which include the hydraulic engineering projects he implemented, and how he shared the findings of his research in the region with Zuo Zongtang to assist him in restoring Chinese sovereignty over Xinjiang. RTHK will spare no effort in filming, aiming to complete production and broadcast of the documentary by 2025 to commemorate the 240th anniversary of the birth of the nationalist hero Lin Zexu. The documentary aims to showcase how RTHK produces high-definition content in which elements of patriotic education are incorporated innovatively. RTHK is deeply grateful for the full support for the production to be provided by the Radio and Television Administration of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Radio and Television Station, and the School of History of Xinjiang University.

Eddie Cheung, Director of Broadcasting, said that RTHK has been committed to strengthening cooperation with mainland China's broadcasters. Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with Beijing Radio and Television Station, Shanghai Media Group and Guangdong Radio and Television. Recently, RTHK has partnered with China Central Radio and Television to co-produce "Taste of Hong Kong" to introduce Hong Kong’s culinary culture to Mainland audience, and with Yunnan Media Group to co-produce "Cantonese Travelogue - Yunnan" to promote cultural tourism in Yunnan.

Through this in-depth exchange with Xinjiang Radio and Television and other organizations, RTHK will continue to explore the production of more high-quality programmes in different forms to present the beauty of Chinese culture, art, and life, and to tell good stories about the country and Hong Kong.