As leaders and senior officials of 48 African countries gathered in Beijing, they also brought with them a sample of the flavours of the continent.

Banners about the summit could be seen in almost all major places in Beijing such as Tian'anmen Square, and Xidan and Wangfujing streets.

In front of the 155 large picture posters showing the beautiful scenery and colourful lifestyles of Africa in Wangfujing, people queued up waiting to take photos. "I hope I can visit Africa one day, it's really fascinating," said a passer-by.

China has granted tourist destination status to 26 African countries, according to an action plan endorsed yesterday. According to several travel companies in Beijing, an increasing number of people inquired about travelling to Africa. In each of the large travel agencies, more than 200 tourists registered for tours to Africa this month, up 30 per cent compared with the same period last year.

In Tian'anmen Square outside the Great Hall of the People, the venue of the historic summit, national flags of 48 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China were blowing in the strong wind yesterday.

A husband and wife were competing with each other on how many national flags they could recognize.

Two exhibitions, one of coins and stamps from 48 African countries and the other of African handicraft, were shown in the National Museum on the east side of the Tian'anmen Square, attracting lots of students and tourists.

In an African restaurant in Chaoyang District in the east of the city, it has been hard to find a seat in the past week, the unique food and entertainment attracting many people.

(China Daily 11/06/2006 page2)