Heritage of ancient civilization 'blows mind' of British historian

One of Britain's most renowned broadcasters says China's history "blows his mind" and he "runs out of superlatives" when talking about the riches the country has to offer.

Over the course of a broadcasting career going back nearly 25 years, Dan Snow, also a historian, has become a familiar face and voice to British viewers, presenting programs about everything from Peru's ancient city of Machu Picchu to World War II. He has taken a particular interest in China, making numerous films on the subject.

Speaking at the opening of a new Ancient Egypt exhibition, Ramses and the Pharaohs' Gold at London's Battersea Power Station, Snow, who had just returned from a filming project in China, spoke of his fascination with the country, and compared its rich heritage to that of Egypt.

"History and heritage are not just fascinating and beautiful, they are a national strategic asset — it's like having an oil well on your property that never runs out," he said. "It's a huge advantage for Egypt, but it's the same in China.

"I grew up in the European culture, where we talked about kings and conquerors and dramatic stories, then you open your mind to Chinese history and realize that all of that is there, and more," he said."There are stories and objects there equal to anyone's in the world, probably better, and now it's so easy to travel around. They are the best people with the best food in the world. I love going to China because it's exploring brand new history as dramatic and exciting as anything in the world."

The exhibition, which runs until the end of May, contains 180 priceless artifacts, many of which have rarely, if ever, been seen outside Egypt. It tells the story of a pharaoh, whose 67-year reign made him one of history's most influential people.

Ramses the Great, as he became known, built the iconic temple of Abu Simbel, and the exhibition's selection of genuine artifacts, including gold funeral masks, granite statues, intricate jewelry and his perfectly preserved cedar wood coffin, shine a bright light on the wonders of his time, before ending with an immersive virtual reality tour of Abu Simbel and the tomb of Ramses' wife, Nefertari.

In an interview with CGTN earlier this year, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said that last year, Egypt welcomed 360,000 Chinese tourists, and the aim was for that figure to grow significantly.

Speaking to China Daily at the London exhibition, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said he was keen for the two countries to build on their ancestral similarities and grow closer.

"China and Egypt are two countries with great history, and both are proud of their ancient culture," he explained. "I have been to China twice in the last two years. We are joining hands with major stakeholders in promoting Egypt.

"But I also told my counterparts in China, 'Please, promote China in Egypt.' Egyptians travel a lot but what they know of China is very limited, the country has so much to offer, more than the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. I believe in promotion both ways, and this way we can make passenger and tourist flow for airlines feasible and sustainable in the future."