The Blue Mountains was the destination of choice for the wife of visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday when she made a surprise trip to the region.
After an endless cavalcade of police escort, Professor Cheng Hong and her entourage of Chinese media and advisors retreated to the glamourous Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath, where she was presented with a hamper of local wines, gourmet jams, teas and honey.
With military precision yet a surprisingly relaxed pace, the delegation sampled the regional produce and sipped freshly brewed teas while taking in the views.
Taking time out from the trade-drive visit to Australia with her husband, Professor Cheng Hong then visited Echo Point and lunched at Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant.
Modest and reserved, preferring to keep a low profile, Professor Cheng Hong is more interested in tranquility and natural environment than politics, business or fashion.
An English professor specialising in naturalism in American literature, she has translated many books in the field. The university website lists her as one of its “renowned scholars’’ and a member of the institute’s academic committee.
Escarpment Group director Huong Nguyen said the visit was not a surprise given that China and Australia were keen to extend tourism and cultural exchanges.
“Professor Cheng Hong was mesmerised with the ever-changing views of the Blue Mountains escarpment and seemed happy to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch.”