Mr. Friedrich Stift and Mr. Arnold Obermayr, the Ambassador and Councilor of Austrian Embassy visited the Cemetery of Matteo Ricci and other foreign missionaries on August 5, 2020.

On behalf of BAI, Mr. Zhang Haiping, Director of International Cooperation and Exchange Department welcomed them and briefed on the history of the cemetery and the contribution these foreign missionaries had made for the cultural exchange between China and the West.

Mr.Zhang emphasized the great contribution made by Austrian missionary Xavier Ehrenbert Fridelli in the field of cartography. The missionaries brought advanced mapping techniques to China. Maps played a vital role in the war, taxation and the construction of water-conservation projects. The foreign missionaries traveled across China to conduct field investigation and measured the longitude and latitude of 32 provinces by the use of astronomical instruments. Thanks to the ten-year dedication of the missionaries, the National Map of Territory in Kangxi Reign was completed. Such large-scale mapmaking was the first of its kind in the world. Mr.Zhang said that we should recognize their contribution that bridged China and the West.

In the end of the tour, Mr.Zhang presented a book History Recorded on Stone to the distinguished guests as a gift. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the informative introduction and gracious hospitality.

Written by Liu Xiaoyun