Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

From October 16th to 17th, 19 teenagers from Takayama City and Toyama Prefecture in Japan came to Lijiang to visit and exchange at the 2024 Yunnan International Sister Cities Youth Exchange Week of "Heart-Connected Yunnan Trip".

The Japanese delegation watched the Naxi ancient music performance. (Photo by Zhao Xiaozhou)

Japanese teenagers have come to Dongba Museum, Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Normal University and other places for study and exchange. Every time they visited a scenic spot, the delegation members were attracted by the unique cultural scenery. They took photos and records along the way, constantly learning about every bit of Lijiang.

Members of the Japanese delegation visited Mufu. (Photo by Zhao Xiaozhou)

Ota Keinan, a teenager from Takayama City, came to Lijiang Old Town for the first time. He felt that the atmosphere in Lijiang was completely different from that in Japan, but he could also intuitively feel that Lijiang was a livable and very attractive place. In the eyes of Yuka Yamamoto, a young man from Toyama County, Lijiang is a very beautiful place, especially the Blue Moon Valley. The color of the lake is very beautiful and shocking.

Members of the delegation visited Lijiang Old Town. (Photo by Zhao Xiaozhou)

At Lijiang Normal University, Chinese and Japanese young people showed off their talents to each other. The wonderful performances of young students filled the campus with a strong atmosphere of joy, bringing them closer to each other and leaving behind beautiful memories of exchanges and mutual learning. Later, they also experienced Dongba writing and tie-dying. Through explanations, handwriting, and production, the participating members gained a deeper understanding of Dongba culture and traditional Chinese handicrafts, and gained a unique experience.

Members of the delegation experienced tie-dye making. (Photo by Zhao Xiaozhou)

Chinese and Japanese students are learning Dongba culture. (Photo by Zhao Xiaozhou)

Members of the delegation are learning to write Dongba characters. (Photo by Zhao Xiaozhou)

It is understood that more than 100 young people from more than 20 countries participated in the 2024 Yunnan International Sister Cities Youth Exchange Week event of "Heart-Connected Yunnan Trip". The activities fully demonstrated the charm of Chinese national culture, highlighted the positive spirit of Chinese and Japanese youth, and promoted cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.