A total of 18 student delegations from 17 Shanghai's friendship cities around the world have come to the Shanghai International Friendship Cities Youth Camp this year. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Shanghai International Friendship Cities Youth Camp involving international students from 17 friendship cities of Shanghai was held on July 8, ushering in a season of cross-cultural exchange and global friendship.

Ye Linlin, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, underscored Shanghai's commitment to fostering international understanding through education. "This camp aims to build a bridge connecting young minds from Shanghai and around the world, nurturing mutual appreciation and cross-cultural exchange."

Ye emphasized that the camp's diverse cultural activities will offer students involved a multidimensional understanding of China while immersing them in Shanghai's rich heritage and charm. Concurrently, Shanghai's youth will have invaluable opportunities to learn from their global peers and cultivate enduring friendships.

Wang Jue, deputy district head of Putuo district, extended a warm welcome to the international students, expressing hope that their urban explorations would provide insights into China's sustainable development initiatives and cultivate a sense of global responsibility.

Azamjon Mansurov, consul general of Uzbekistan in Shanghai, commended the camp's role in facilitating cultural exchange and youth interactions between friendly cities.

"Through activities like this, students have the chance to understand each other's cultures while witnessing China's progress firsthand," he added.

Camp participants experienced an intangible cultural heritage fair showcasing Chinese traditions arranged by 10 schools in Putuo district, Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Before the ceremony, camp participants experienced an intangible cultural heritage fair showcasing Chinese traditions like bamboo weaving, paper-cutting, kite-making and rope arts arranged by 10 schools in Putuo district.

Highlights included Chinese drum and lion dance performances by Chinese students, which captivated foreign campers who enthusiastically joined the celebrations.

French delegates also performed the classic song Les Champs-Élysées, showcasing the unique charms of Eastern and Western cultures.

The camp's program encompasses traditional culture workshops, visits to Shanghai landmarks, museum tours, day-in-the-life experiences with local families, urban design activities and youth forums.

Campers will delve into martial arts, ceramic engraving, New Year paintings, tie-dye, intangible heritage lanterns and traditional Chinese costumes while exploring the profound meanings of Chinese culture.

Excursions to iconic sites like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden and Putuo's Suzhou Creek Park will immerse participants in the city's vibrant heritage. Homestays will offer an authentic glimpse into Shanghainese life, while university and museum visits, youth dialogues and eco-themed activities will deepen cross-cultural connections.

The camp is hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, organized by the Shanghai Putuo Education Bureau.