Saloon initiated to boost Sino-foreign youth exchanges

China International Youth Exchange Center initiates the International Youth Saloon on Feb 2. [Photo by chinadaily.com.cn]

Overseas students need to behold the authentic, multifaceted essence of China, just as China invites the perspective of overseas students to grasp the complexities of the world, a view heard at a saloon on Feb 2.

It's important to create new opportunities for youth from all corners of the world to know China, understand its culture and be fascinated by its heritage, Chairwoman of the Governing Council of the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC) Liu Aiping said in her opening remarks to its in-house International Youth Saloon, the center's key brand event tailored for international students in China.

Cultural exchanges are strongly needed, said Liu, citing the initiatives that CIYEC has offered for overseas students such as entrepreneurship incubators, exchange camps, as well as corporate internship programs.

The theme of the saloon is "Youth Together for a Shared Future". Approximately 45 international students in China from over 30 countries attended the event, according to the center.

Guest speakers share their stories at the event. [Photo by chinadaily.com.cn]

Four Chinese guest speakers were invited to share their growth experiences, including Chinese women's freestyle skiing gold medalist Li Nina, Huaqiao University Professor Huang Rihan, AHA CEO Zou Shasha, and Liu Bo, a first-class artist at Chinese National Academy of Arts.

Instead of showing how to become a freestyle skiing world champion, Li told a story about how she returned to the Sochi Winter Games after an injury with strong willpower and a deep passion for sports. "The journey holds greater significance than the destination," said Li, addressing the importance of perseverance.

"Sports serve as a bridge for communication between nations," Li said highlighting her role as the Beijing 2022 Ambassador. "The success of Beijing in bidding for the Winter Olympics is another gold medal for me," said Li. She said her mission was to unravel the authentic essence of China to the world.

International students in China participate in the event. [Photo by chinadaily.com.cn]

"The development of new media has broadened our channels to comprehend and communicate China's charm," said Davletshina Karistina, a master's degree student at Renmin University of China. The Russian girl is also a short video enthusiast. She hopes her videos can help more people understand and fall in love with China.

Mary Wamai, a Kenyan student at Beijing Jiaotong University, considered studying in China a wise decision. Majoring in civil engineering, she wants to contribute to the development of her hometown. Citing major collaboration projects implemented by China in Kenya, such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, the senior student hopes to be a contributor to the Belt and Road Initiative.

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