Foreign diplomats from different embassies and chambers of commerce pose for a group photo during the 18th "Experience Beijing" cultural tourism event in Xiedao Resort, Chaoyang district, Beijing on June 18, 2016. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Foreign diplomats from different embassies and chambers of commerce in the capital took today off to explore some unique scenic spots in Beijing's Chaoyang district.

The newly-opened Beijing Olympic tower, in Beijing's landmark Olympic Park, was chosen as the first stop of the 18th "Experience Beijing" tour to share the city's great passion for the Olympics. Endorsed by the International Olympic Committee, the more than-246-meters tall tower is now the park's highest building, with the five-ring Olympic icon on top.

"We hope the cultural tour will help promote the special Olympic tourism resources in the Chaoyang district and create a fresh brand image for its tourism," said Lu Wenjun, deputy director-general of the Beijing Chaoyang District Tourism Development Commission, addressing those at the event. Lu was its co-organizer.

As part of their tour, diplomats and their family members also got a chance to visit the Xiedao Resort and Silk Street Market, two other symbols of the Chaoyang district.

For Juan Cortelletti, an official working at Embassy of the Republic of Argentina in Beijing, Xiedao Resort, also known as "Crab Island", serves as an ideal place for his family, especially his three young children, to escape the city's summer heat and enjoy the large man-made beach.

"The tour is highly recommended, particularly for newcomers like me, since Beijing is so big and we have no idea which place is worth a visit," said Maria Luisa Scolari, an Italian diplomat who just arrived in Beijing six months ago, "I would like to join this kind of cultural tour once again."

Foreign diplomats from different embassies and chambers of commerce sign their names to mark the start of the 18th "Experience Beijing" cultural tourism event in Chaoyang district, Beijing on June 18, 2016. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]