New Zealand Ambassador John McKinnon visited Yu Ge winery, a joint venture of China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region and Marlborough, a wine-growing region in his country, on Tuesday.

McKinnon also planted a unique wine grape from New Zealand, sauvignon blanc, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Ningxia Hui's government and Marlborough signed a friendship agreement in September. This aims to boost cooperation on both sides in grape cultivation, wine production, wine education, brand promotion, personnel training and the introduction of technology and cultural exchanges.

Ningxia Hui was listed among the world's top 46 tourist destinations selected by the New York Times. The reason given for the selection is that "the best Chinese wine" can be made there.