NEVSEHIR, Türkiye, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- In the heart of Türkiye's Cappadocia region, known for its surreal landscapes, Rasim Ari, the mayor of central Türkiye's Nevsehir city, said Türkiye and China's friendship is deepening through tourism and culture cooperation.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Ari said Cappadocia, located in the Nevsehir province, is entering "a brand new phase" in its relationship with China, one that moves beyond tourism statistics to focus on long-term, people-to-people connections.

Famed for its iconic hot air balloon rides above distinctive rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," Cappadocia is also home to ancient cave churches, rock-carved dwellings, and vast underground cities.

"Since 2018, when China declared it the 'Turkish Tourism Year' in China, our ties have grown steadily," Ari said. "We accordingly launched the China Friendship Year, which led to significant rise in Chinese tourist arrivals."

The Turkish mayor emphasized that it is not just about bringing in tourists, but also helping them feel at home, in a safe and respectful environment.

"We want to move from being a destination to becoming a place where Chinese visitors feel they belong. That starts with human warmth, the hospitality that both Türkiye and Nevsehir are famous for," he emphasized.

The local government, he said, is taking practical steps to ensure that experience: from hiring Chinese-speaking staff and opening Chinese restaurants to installing Chinese-language signs in and around touristic sites, and organizing cultural events focused on both countries.

The municipality is also planning to host Chinese artists, influencers and cultural delegations to showcase both local and Chinese traditions. "We want this relationship to be more than tourism," Ari said.

One concrete outcome from a recent meeting between the Chinese embassy officials and municipal authorities was a preliminary agreement to form a sister-city relationship between Nevsehir and a city in China.

"This is a step toward sustained, structured cooperation," the mayor said. "We're forming working groups and expect concrete actions in the coming weeks to roll out a series of events and activities," he explained.

Ari is also preparing for an official visit to China. "We are aligning our calendars to make this trip meaningful," he said.

Ari believes cultural cooperation will be the cornerstone of Türkiye-China ties in the years ahead.

Among the flagship projects on the horizon is one named "Land of Beautiful Horses," scheduled to open on July 20, 2026, the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The event will feature internationally renowned horse breeds, accommodations, and cultural activities.

"Cappadocia actually means 'Land of Beautiful Horses,' so this will be both a tribute to our name and a bridge to Chinese culture," the mayor stressed.■