A group of Chinese TV executives have arrived in London, after spending ten weeks driving from the central Chinese city of Xi'an. They re-traced the ancient Silk Road, in an ambitious bid to promote economic and cultural exchanges. CGTN's Kang Yubin reports from the British capital.

A typical rainy day in London with Chinese folk music in the background, a ceremony is held to welcome a Chinese delegation who drove all the way from Xi'an, home to the Terracotta Army and also the birthplace of the ancient Silk Road.

A map of their route was signed and unveiled by the Lord Mayor of London and Chinese officials.

The Chinese delegation consists of TV executives, whose networks together reach an audience of 150 million people. They started the epic journey to promote cultural and economic links between China and other countries along the ancient Silk Road.

GENG ZHENHAO, GENERAL MANAGER SHAANXI SATELLITE TV "We have driven through more than 30 countries, covering 70,000- kilometers. We connected with people of different countries through the camera lenses. We promoted the Chinese culture in these countries, and brought foreign cultures back to China. From this point of view, we have played a role in the people-to-people bonds. We drove through Western Europe. We felt deeply that the Chinese culture and the Western European cultures are deeply connected. We have also been warmly welcomed by the local people."

KANG YUBIN LONDON "The visit by the Chinese delegation to the UK comes at a special time for both countries. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the 'Belt and Road Initiative', proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is also a critical time for Sino-UK relations, since Brexit is approaching."

ALDERMAN CHARLES BOWMAN LORD MAYOR, THE CITY OF LONDON "We do consider ourselves, strongly believe we are the natural western hub for the Belt and Road initiative. We will here to offer not only the hub as the natural western end but also very importantly the financial service offering we can support through all infrastructure built, and the project and programs run with it. London is the prominent international financial center. We are experts in service delivering for infrastructure. We cannot wait to help to support the extraordinary vision that is impacting the world."

Chinese and British leaders say bilateral ties have entered a "golden era" of development. While trade and investment relations have deepened in the last two decades, observers say there is plenty of room for growth. This visit by the Chinese delegation is expected to play a part in bringing about greater trade and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Kang Yubin, CGTN, London.