Internal working platform of Yunnan Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

We fell in love with China in Yunnan!

time：2024-10-21source：云南省对外友好协会browse：45,094

This trip was both precious and unforgettable for me.

The warmth and hospitality of the people of Yunnan touched me.

I was captivated by the magnificent scenery of Shilin.

I like Lijiang Ancient Town, and I like Dongba script and tie-dye.

I fell in love with Yunnan, I fell in love with China.

……..

On October 18, the "Xinliantong Yunnan Tour" 2024 Yunnan International Friendship Cities Youth Exchange Week concluded in Kunming. Over 100 foreign youth from 25 international friendship cities in 20 countries, including the United States, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, France, Russia, and Romania, joined by young people from Yunnan Minzu University, put a perfect end to the 2024 Yunnan International Friendship Cities Youth Exchange Week.

At the closing ceremony, representatives from the Provincial Foreign Friendship Association, the Provincial Committee for the Promotion of International Cooperation, and Yunnan Minzu University presented certificates to youth delegates from Cambodia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. The youth from each country showcased their talents through traditional dances, hometown songs, piano performances, and martial arts demonstrations, and shared their reflections on participating in the Youth Exchange Week activities.

Vice President Wang Yu presents certificates to American youth.

Speaking of the beautiful scenery and delicious food of Yunnan, teenagers from all over the world talk non-stop. "The majestic landscape of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang left me speechless," "The magnificent scenery of the Stone Forest, carved by nature, deeply shocked me," "The unique charm of the Bai ethnic minority houses in Dali, with their ancient and elegant atmosphere," "The ingredients and spices in Yunnan are very interesting, with a wide variety and delicious taste."

Speaking of Yunnan's traditional culture, young people from all over the world were beaming with joy. "The Naxi-style scarf from Lijiang made me love it so much I couldn't let it go." "We danced the Yi ethnic Dasiqin together, experienced the Dongba script and tie-dyeing, and had a pleasant and fulfilling time." "I personally experienced the process of making Jianshui purple pottery, which was a very fresh and interesting experience." "From picking tea and roasting it to making tea cakes, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process."

Speaking of the harvest of this trip, the youth from various countries expressed their views. Ahmad Mahdi, a youth from the Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that I have established very deep friendships with youth friends from all over the world. Komara Pentawan, a youth representative from the Laos-China Friendship Association, expressed her pleasure in colliding ideas and mutually learning from the faculty and students of Puer College. Glesuren Gjerigmek, a youth representative from the Hoangai Province of Mongolia, said that I used to only know China through television, but on this trip, I fell in love with Yunnan. Samyang Timilshna, a youth from the Nepal-China Economic and Trade Association, said that this trip broadened my horizons, filled me with gratitude, and I will definitely continue the friendships I have made. Zhu Yumeng, a youth representative from the Singapore-China Association, said that spending a meaningful time with everyone over the past week has deepened my love for Yunnan.

Myanmar's Yangon Province youth, Pya Pya Myo Mu Chin, said this journey allowed her to make friends and gain friendships. Sokun Paha of Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province exclaimed, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to explore the beautiful Yunnan, experience the rich culture and traditions, and learn about Yunnan's history spanning thousands of years." Maria, a youth from Russia's Vladimir Oblast, said the exchange week brought together young friends from different countries to experience the diverse Yunnan.

Akemi Nishigawa, a youth from Mima City, Japan, said, "As long as we maintain sincere communication and treat each other with sincerity, friendly relations between countries can be established and maintained." Yuka Imai, a youth from Takayama City, Japan, said, "After this trip, Yunnan is no longer just a name or a symbol, but every person we meet and every moment of emotion we experience." Yuumi Fukuyama, a youth from Toyama Prefecture, Japan, said, "I will take what I have seen and heard home and pass on the charm of Yunnan to more Japanese youth."

Sasha Heper, a youth representative from Denver, USA, said, "We look forward to greater cooperation between the people of China and the United States, and hope to enhance mutual understanding and friendship through youth exchanges to work together to create a more peaceful and united world." Talisa Ryle, a youth from the University of Delaware, USA, said, "I resonate with the youth from Yunnan. Seeing that the cultures and school systems of the two countries are different is really cool." Jonathan Sparkman, a youth from the International Leaders School in Texas, USA, said, "During this trip, we saw that China and the US have sincerely cooperated in the past, and we hope that the younger generation will carry on this friendship."

Over a week in Yunnan, youth from all over the world experience Yunnan and perceive China through their travels. They walk into Kunming to witness the rapid development of Chinese modernization; step into Honghe to converse with a thousand years of history; enter Dali to fall in love with life and carry on the "Flying Tiger" spirit; visit Lijiang to experience the "Lijiang I can't bear to leave"; and go to Pu'er to sense the thousand-year tea charm and the aroma of coffee in the city.