Internal working platform of Yunnan Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

On October 15, the "Heart-Connected Yunnan Trip" 2024 Yunnan International Sister Cities Youth Exchange Week, hosted by the Yunnan Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was launched in Kunming. From the 16th to the 17th, a delegation of 50 people from the United States, Australia and Japan visited Xiangyun County and Dali City in Dali Prefecture to immerse themselves in Dali’s unique charm of green development, ecological livability, national unity, diversity and tolerance.

On October 16, the teachers and students of the delegation visited Xiangyun No. 2 Middle School, the Yunnan Yima Bang Cultural Museum and the World War II China-India-Myanmar Theater Transportation History Memorial Hall. At the Flying Tigers Friendship School - Xiangyun No. 2 Middle School, representatives of American teachers and students had an active exchange with teachers and students of Xiangyun No. 2 Middle School on study life, hobbies and cultural characteristics.

In the Transportation History Memorial Hall of the China-India-Burma Theater in World War II, photos of American soldiers, sandbox models of the Hump Route, and items used by the Flying Tigers clearly present the cultural history of the Flying Tigers and the "Hump Route", allowing everyone to have a better understanding of the Flying Tigers. With a more comprehensive understanding, I also have a deeper appreciation of the profound friendship between the people of China and the United States.

Jonathan Sparkman, the leading teacher of the International Leadership Training Camp School in Texas, USA

The launch of this event provided us with an opportunity to communicate with students, and also allowed us to see the cooperation between China and the United States in the past and today.

Delaware Student Youth Representative, Talitha Ryle

Even though I'm from my hometown and I'm across the country, I think it's cool to be able to relate to the kids here and see the difference in culture and how the school is run.

On October 17, the teachers and students of the delegation took an Erhai cruise ship, walked along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, and appreciated the scenery of Cang'er in Dali. At the Gucheng Campus of Dali University, we visited the Biological Science Museum and the Ethnic Art Museum, and had on-site interactions with representatives of Dali University students and international students.

In the afternoon, the teachers and students of the delegation also visited the Jiangzhi Jijia Horse Printmaking Art Museum in Xizhou Ancient Town to experience the craftsmanship of Jia Horse and tie-dye, which are intangible cultural heritage items. The colorful national culture and biodiversity characteristics left a deep impression on the teachers and students of the delegation.

Chinese teacher at International Leadership Training Camp School in Texas, USA, Luo Rui

Dali's natural scenery and intangible cultural heritage gave us a great shock. Especially in the city of Dali, we can see so many diverse things. It was an eye-opener for the students.

This international sister city youth exchange event not only allows friendship envoys from different countries to have an in-depth understanding of the developing Yunnan and Dali, but also creates opportunities to enhance friendship among youths from various countries and plant the seeds of friendship in their hearts.

Student leader from Denver, USA, Sacha François Deming Hepel

Seeing the world's cultures gathered in Dali deeply inspired me and allowed me to discover the beauty of nature and the beauty of the city. People from all over the world gather here to create friendship and peace. After returning home, I will share it with my family and friends and come to Dali together because it is a beautiful and peaceful place.