It’s not necessarily something many of us sit around wondering, but it’s the kind of the fun fact that genuinely surprises you and makes you say ‘oh wow, that’s kind of interesting’.
So why is China called ‘China’ by westerners when the country’s natives refer to it as ZhongGuo aka Middle Kingdom?
As with any piece of history, there are many versions to where the name came from. There’s the online version claiming that ‘Cin’ was the name used by Persians and later adopted by Marco Polo, or there’s the version 150 Travel Agents heard yesterday during Qantas and China Eastern’s ‘Best of China’ full-day experience in Sydney.
According to tourism representatives from Shanghai and Beijing, the name was given to the country because of its production of porcelain, which was traded to Europe and delivered via the Silk Road.
Interesting right?
Aside from mind-blowing fun facts about the country’s name, Travel Agents from around Australia who attended the event gained valuable selling information on Qantas and China Eastern’s codeshare arrangement.
Through various exercises, consultants learned how to best organise itineraries for leisure and business travellers, they explored various accommodation options with Shangri-La and they were reminded of Australia’s 144hr visa-free arrangement with China.
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Consultants were given the chance to try delicious authentic Chinese food before taste-testing Business Class dessert served onboard China Eastern’s flights to and from Australia.
There was also an opportunity for Travel Agents to explore China Eastern and Qantas’ A330s, which operate between Australia and the Middle Kingdom.
For those who couldn’t make it, did you know China Eastern’s Business Class is set up in a fishbone layout whereby window seats are titled towards the windows and the two middle seats lean towards each other so that families and friends can chat?
Meanwhile, over on Qantas’ A330, Economy Class not only has adjustable headrests with wings and Panasonic inflight entertainment, but also a foot net for extra comfort and thicker, larger blankets.
In Business Class, guests can either choose to completely lay-flat or select a semi-recline position, which can be used during take off and landing.
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Rob Harrison, Qantas Head of Agency Partnerships & Business Events said the day-long event received “a strong turnout of Agents”.
“China is a really important and growing market for Qantas, so we were pleased to provide a forum for our valued trade partners to deep dive into our partnership with China Eastern, making the proposition even easier for them to sell,” he said.