Thousands of local and international journalists have converged on Beijing for the summit. The International Convention Center has been transformed into a high-tech media center, to accommodate them. CGTN's Lindy Mtongana takes us on a tour.

It's the eve of the opening of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, and the media center is ready to welcome the hordes of journalists that will be reporting on the event. The media center is a high-tech facility, complete with chip-enabled access-cards, a talking robot and face-detector lockers. And the venue's press-briefing halls, big screens, live feeds and translation services in three languages, ensure that journalists won't miss a thing.

XU HEJIAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEDIA CENTER "The media center is aimed at providing the best services for Chinese and foreign journalists, including public information, TV and broadcasting, free wifi and so on, which can make all interviews and filming easier during the FOCAC Summit."

Over 2600 journalists have been accredited for the event – with the likes of Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, DRC and Nigeria adding to the African contingent. They're hoping to give audiences back home a clearer picture of what's been achieved since the 2015 Summit in Johannesburg, and where China-Africa relations might be headed.

FATIMA BULLA, SUNDAY MAIL ZIMBABWE "We also looking at now the cooperation between China and Africa specifically after the Johannesburg summit where Pres. Xi Jinping put forward 10 points of cooperation between China and Africa in terms of assisting development in Africa. So we also have an interest in that because Zimbabwe also benefited from the pledge that was made by President Xi for US60 billion."

LEONEL MUCHANO MOZAMBIQUE NEWS AGENCY "As for me and my audience in Mozambique we have got too many expectations for this summit because we take into account that China has been a longstanding cooperation partner with our country and a lot has been done hand in hand. We hope that decisions that will be taken along the two days of the summit will help the country to re-launch itself in the mainstream of development."

Since "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" – the media centre has catered for some downtime. Photo exhibitions, interactive touchscreens, and some photo-shop-fun mean that journalists will make some special memories right here.

XU HEJIAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEDIA CENTER "In this news center, you can enjoy the special scenery of Beijing. So even if you don't go outside you can learn about Beijing's culture, history and contemporary life."

LINDY MTONGANA REPORTER "Well journalists certainly have their work cut out for them for the next few days, but with all the amenities and services available here, some might never leave the media centre. Lindy Mtongana CGTN, Great Wall, just kidding, Media Centre, Beijing China."