Out of the shadows: Discovering paradise in Panama

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Following the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Chinese President Xi Jinping will head to Panama for a state visit at the invitation of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela. For a closer look at this Central American country, follow CGTN as we explore its hidden treasures.

Panama is a cool country in Central America with a lot of wildlife, national parks and beaches worth exploring. Its capital is Panama City, the most cosmopolitan city in the country, where the old city is intertwined with modern skyscrapers.

An aerial view of Panama City, Panama. /VCG Photo

Living in this modern city, one of the greatest things is to go shopping, as the city provides opportunities to shop regardless of your budget. From open-air artisanal markets to high-end shopping malls, Panama City has something for everyone.

You can also find complete peace and tranquility here. Take a stroll on Cinta Costera, a park with a long stretch of waterfront to enjoy the metropolis view and try Geisha Coffee, the “champagne of coffees,” one of the most premium and expensive coffees in the world, which is a must-try in Panama.

Night view of Panama City, Panama. /VCG Photo

Panama City, Panama. /Panama National Tourism Bureau Photo

An aerial view of Panama City, Panama. /Panama National Tourism Bureau Photo

Starting from Panama City, let's move on to find out more surprises that the country has to offer.

The Panama Canal – Shining star of Central America

Known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal stretches 80 kilometers from Panama City on the Pacific side to Colon on the Atlantic side. It has saved tens of thousands of kilometers of sea voyage for the shipping routes along the U.S. East Coast and between the Americas and Europe.

An aerial view of the Gatun locks on the Panama Canal, Panama. /VCG Photo

The waterway flows northward into Gatun Lake, an enormous freshwater reservoir home to a startling throng of wildlife. Visitors are recommended to choose a cruise trip down the canal, only for a more intimate view of the amazing creatures here. As you paddle, keep an eye out for sloths, curious capuchin monkeys or howler monkeys crashing through the foliage.

Casco Viejo – Hidden jewelry in the city

Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City that was built following the near-total destruction of Panama Viejo, the remaining part of the old Panama City, after pirate Henry Morgan sacked the city in 1671. In 1997, the city's cultural and historical significance was recognized by UNESCO and it was declared a World Heritage Site.

Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama. /VCG Photo

Casco Viejo holds a collection of narrow streets, dreamy balconies and Spanish colonial architecture. You can learn much about the city's history here as many of the city's museums are located in this district. The theaters here host some of the best operas and musical shows in the region.

Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama. /VCG Photo

The most exciting thing is to experience the nightlife! Casco Viejo has the city's best bars and discos. The streets are lined with clubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes, blending a modern feeling to this historical area perfectly. It's a wonderful place to enjoy jazz music as live music is played everywhere, indoors or on the street on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Coiba Island – Paradise for scuba divers

Are you looking for an escape from the hustling-bustling modern city life? Go to Coiba Island, 23 kilometers south of the pacific coast of Panama. The stunning underwater view will ease your burdens.

Coiba Island, Panama. /VCG Photo

Coiba Island provides you with easy access to the world-class dive sites in Coiba National Park, which was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It offers rich and well preserved natural resources and is the largest island covered by primeval forests in the Americas. Diving here is best characterized as diving in pristine, almost unexplored waters teeming with fish.

Coiba Island, Panama. /VCG Photo

Coiba Island is not only the largest group of American islands covered by primeval forests, but also the ultimate sanctuary for all types of mammals, birds and endangered plants. As a unique wildlife sanctuary, Coiba Island provides a living environment for more than 100 species of marine life and more than a thousand species of exotic flowers and plants, and has a reputation as a “treasure house.”

Bocas del Toro – Heaven on earth

Located along the Caribbean coast in the northwestern part of the country, Bocas del Toro is one of Panama's most popular tourist destinations, combining a laid-back Caribbean attitude with jungles, forests and mangroves.

A man surfs in Bocas del Toro. /VCG Photo

The island here is a paradise for tourists who desire tranquility and privacy. The entire archipelago is covered by tropical rainforests where you can snorkel, swim or scuba dive, or simply enjoy the natural scenery. Surfing is extremely popular and there are always water taxis around to take you to a secluded cove or to the best snorkeling spots.

Orange Cup Corals in Panama. /VCG Photo

The underwater world is also splendid – there are colorful fish, coral reefs and turtles in the sea. The entire sea world is especially suitable for snorkeling. Hospital Point is a popular spot for night diving when it is the perfect time to meet dolphins, turtles, eagle squid and reef sharks.

Santa Fe – Adventurous route

Santa Fe, Veraguas Province, Panama. /Panama National Tourism Bureau Photo

If you're looking for an adventure trip in this country, Santa Fe is a place you can't miss. Located in Veraguas Province, Santa Fe is a unique ecological paradise. It has not only rare animals and plants, but also the primeval forests, which are incredibly suitable for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, zip-lining and rock climbing. This beautiful paradise also has 50 waterfalls and many rivers, making you fully relaxed and integrated with nature.

Panama eyes to lure Chinese tourists

China and Panama signed a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic ties on June 13, 2017. The Panama authority has launched a specialized workshop to train local companies and institutions to provide a high quality service to Chinese tourists.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Panama's Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo sign a joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations during a press briefing in Beijing, China, June 13, 2017. /VCG Photo

From September this year, the Panama tourism authority has set up official website accounts on Chinese social media platforms Weibo and WeChat in a bid to attract more Chinese tourists, said the country's President Juan Carlos Varela in Shanghai, adding that Panama has also cooperated with China UnionPay and Alipay's payment channels to enhance the overseas payment experience for Chinese tourists.

"We hope that the number of travelers to Panama from the Chinese mainland will reach tens of thousands of people in 2020," he said.