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：701

“This trip is both precious and unforgettable to me.”

“I am moved by the hospitality of the people of Yunnan.”

“I was conquered by the magnificent scenery of the stone forest.”

“I like Lijiang Old Town, Dongba characters and tie-dye.”

"I fell in love with Yunnan and China."

……..

On October 18, the "Heart-to-Yunnan Trip" 2024 Yunnan International Sister Cities Youth Exchange Week came to an end in Kunming, with 25 students from 20 countries including the United States, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, France, Russia, and Romania. More than 100 foreign youths from international sister cities, together with Chinese and foreign young people from Yunnan University for Nationalities, brought a successful conclusion to the 2024 Yunnan International Sister Cities Youth Exchange Week.

At the closing ceremony, the leaders of the Provincial Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Provincial Related Work Committee, and Yunnan University for Nationalities issued certificates to youth representatives from Cambodia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States respectively. Young people from various countries demonstrated their talents with traditional dances, hometown songs, piano performances, and martial arts performances, and shared their reflections on participating in the Youth Exchange Week activities.

Vice President Wang Yu awards certificates to American youths

When it comes to the beautiful scenery and delicious food in Yunnan, teenagers from all over the world talk endlessly. “The majestic landscape of Lijiang’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain made me jaw-dropping”, “The majestic scenery of the stone forest shocked me deeply”, “The unique charm of Dali’s antique Bai dwellings”, “Yunnan’s food ingredients and spices are very interesting, diverse and delicious. "

When it comes to Yunnan’s traditional culture, young people from all over the world are very excited. “I can’t put it down for Lijiang’s Naxi ethnic style scarves.” “We danced the Yi major sanxian together, experienced Dongba characters and tie-dyeing, and had a pleasant and fulfilling time.” “I personally experienced the process of making Jianshui purple pottery. It was a very fresh and interesting experience. “I enjoyed the whole process from picking tea to frying tea and making tea cakes.”

When it comes to what they have gained from this trip, young people from all over the world have their own opinions. Ahmed Mahdi, a young man from the Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that I have established very deep friendships with young friends from all over the world. Komala Phunthawan, youth representative of the Laos-China Friendship Association, said that he was very happy to have ideological collisions and mutual learning between civilizations with the teachers and students of Pu'er College. Geluchulun Gerilqimuge, a youth representative of Mongolia's Houhangai Province, said that in the past, I could only learn about China on TV, but during this trip I fell in love with Yunnan. Samyan Timilishna, a young man from the Nepal-China Economic and Trade Association, said that this trip has broadened my horizons and I am grateful. I will definitely continue the friendship I have forged. Zhu Yumeng, youth representative of the Singapore China Association, said that I spent a meaningful time with everyone in the past week, which deepened my love for Yunnan.

Pyo Phyom Myo Khin, a young man from Yangon Province in Myanmar, said that this journey allowed me to make friends and gain friendship. Sokhun Paha, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, sighed, I am very grateful for the opportunity to explore beautiful Yunnan, experience the rich culture and traditions, and understand the history of Yunnan that spans thousands of years. Maria, a young person from the Vladimir region of Russia, said that the exchange week brought together young friends from different countries to experience the diverse Yunnan.

Akemi Nishioka, a young man from Mima City, Japan, said that as long as we maintain sincere communication and sincere treatment, friendly relations between countries can be established and maintained. Yuka Imai, a teenager from Takayama City, Japan, said that after this trip, Yunnan is no longer a name or a symbol, but every person we meet and every touch. Yukai Fukuyama, a young man from Toyama Prefecture, Japan, said that I will take what I see and hear home and pass on the charm of Yunnan to more Japanese teenagers.

Sasha Hepel, a youth representative from the city of Denver in the United States, said that we look forward to more cooperation between the people of China and the United States, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship through youth exchanges, and working together to create a more peaceful and united world. Talitha Lyle, a young student from Delaware State University in the United States, said that she resonated with the teenagers in Yunnan and found it cool to see the differences in culture and school operations between the two countries. Jonathan Sparkman, a young man from the International Leadership School in Texas, said that during this trip, we saw the sincere cooperation between China and the United States in the past and hoped that the younger generation would inherit this friendship.

During a week in Yunnan, young people from all over the world experienced Yunnan and perceived China while walking. They walked into Kunming and witnessed the rapid development of Chinese-style modernization; walked into the Red River and had a dialogue with thousands of years of history; walked into Dali, fell in love with life in Dali and continued the "Flying Tiger" spirit; walked into Lijiang and experienced "Lijiang that is reluctant to leave"; Walking into Pu'er, you can feel the tea charm of thousands of years and the fragrance of coffee in the city.