From June 23 to 29, nearly two dozen young people representing 21 countries and young representatives from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization were in Beijing to participate in the 2024 China Soong Ching Ling Foundation(CSCLF) "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" event, engaging in a series of cultural studies and exchange visits.
The organizers arranged a diverse range of activities for the "Junior Cultural Ambassadors". In Beijing, they visited the Prince Gong's Mansion Museum, experienced cloisonnécraftsmanship and traditional Chinese pattern drawing, climbed the Juyong Pass of the Great Wall to grasp the spirit of "He who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true man," toured the Palace Museum to appreciate the beauty of classical Chinese imperial palaces and gardens, took a high-speed train to Tianjin to experience the speed and achievements of China's development. They also visited the ancient cultural street to learn how to make Yangliuqing woodblock New Year prints, and gained insights into the profound heritage of China's cultural heritage. At Beijing's iconic landmarks such as the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, they discovered the beauty of the fusion of ancient and modern China.
At Soong Ching Ling Former Residence, the "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" learned about Soong Ching Ling's great and honorable life through the exhibition and experienced her deep affection for young children.
The"Junior Cultural Ambassadors" tried at making tie-dye and weaving at the China Soong Ching Ling Youth Science and Culture Exchange Center, as well as making dumplings together. Each country's "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" performed their own cultural and artistic programs, showcasing their talents, sharing experiences, and fostering mutual understanding.
The "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" praised the event, and described their visit to China asa wonderful and unforgettable experience. They thanked the organizers for providing valuable learning and exchange opportunities. Dominika from Belarus said, "In Beijing, I met many kind and polite people, and saw magnificent scenery. This unforgettable trip has made me love China even more." The activities of the "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" prove that there are no barriers to communication between children from different countries. Meanwhile, Nayeri from Peru stated, "Being invited to China to understand Chinese culture and its significant contributions to the world is an honor. Sharing our cultures and dreams with young people from different countries is an unforgettable experience. As a 'Junior Cultural Ambassadors', I will actively fulfill the mission of being an ambassador, and inspire more young people to participate in cultural exchange activities."
Since 2021, the Foundation's "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" event, organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and jointly hosted by the China Soong Ching Ling Youth Science and Culture Exchange Center and various overseas Chinese cultural centers, has been successfully held for three sessions. The event, themed "Bridges of Friendship, Messengers of Culture," has been collecting excellent video works from eligible young people around the world. Over the past three years, more than a thousand young people from 52 countries have participated, providing a platform for young people at home and abroad to showcase their talents , convey their voices, promote culture, and enhance exchanges.
