TGYD | In Chengdu, experience a beautiful life blending the present and past

On August 24, 2023, the second stop of "Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue" (TGYD) practical activity arrived in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. An extraordinary international youth exchange event thus kicked off. Youth delegates from around the world gathered here to jointly explore the topic of sustainable development and engage in international exchange dialogues in the “Land of Abundance”（天府之国）.

Understanding Urban Blueprint, Discussing High-Quality Development

TGYD delegation visited the Tianfu New Area Planning Hall, witnessing firsthand Chengdu’s remarkable achievements in urban planning and construction, right at the birthplace of the park city concept. They learned about urban planning aspects such as green ecology, smart transportation, and sustainable energy, delving deep into the development blueprint of the Tianfu New Area.

Jin Xuan, a young representative from Singapore studying at the University of Oxford, exclaimed, “This city not only preserves its culture and history but also actively promotes highly advanced and forward-thinking digital and technological innovations. Culture is the way to connect the past, present, and future!”

At the Tsinghua Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute, youth delegates gained an in-depth understanding of Tsinghua University’s research achievements and innovative technologies in the energy field, expressing sincere admiration for Sichuan’s role as a leading province in promoting sustainable energy development.

While visiting the Chengdu Institute for High-Quality Development, delegates participated in the “Tsinghua International Youth Dialogue: Chengdu High-Quality Development Salon”. During the salon, Guo Conglun, Director of the Sichuan Digital Development Research Center, and Lu Liwen, President of the Chengdu Institute for High-Quality Development, warmly welcomed TGYD, encouraging them to further explore Chengdu and contribute to its future development. Speakers from the Chengdu Institute for High-Quality Development, Southwest University of Finance and Economics, and Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce also engaged in the dialogue, collectively discussing Chengdu’s development prospects in innovation, cooperation, green initiatives, and shared growth. At the salon, youth delegates gained in-depth insights into Chengdu’s experiences and achievements in high-quality development, expressing great admiration for Chengdu’s accomplishments in urban management, innovation and entrepreneurship, and talent cultivation.

Experience Intangible Cultural Heritage, Feel the Charming City

In the Wenshu Fang Street of Qingyang District, youth delegates engaged in a thematic exchange entitled “Dialogues on Intangible Cultural Heritage” with Chen Fu, Chairman of the Qingyang District Political Consultative Conference, and Meng Dezhi, an inheritor of Sichuan embroidery intangible cultural heritage. They also tried out Sichuan’s traditional handicrafts such as Sichuan embroidery and bamboo weaving, personally experiencing the charm and uniqueness of Sichuan’s traditional culture. Additionally, the delegates enjoyed the unique Huan Cheng Ba Chuan-style halal hotpot at Tianfu Square and admired intangible cultural arts such as Sichuan Opera face-changing. This experience not only deepened the youth delegates’ understanding of Chinese culture but also acquainted them with China's experience in preserving traditional cultural heritage.

Ayushi, an American youth delegate from Harvard University, said excitedly: “The bamboo weaving is so exquisite. Pandas eat bamboo and Chinese people make use of bamboo. You can tell the harmonious symbiosis between man and nature in traditional Chinese culture.”

CITIC Lakeside Bookstore is a unique space integrating reading, art, and natural scenery. Entering the bookstore, the youth delegates felt Chengdu people’s love for culture and art. There, they discussed the diverse roles of cultural and creative industries in sustainable development.

Finally, the youth delegates visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for observation and learning. They observed the living environment of the national treasures and were deeply captivated by the adorable giant pandas. Through interactions with the staff at the base, the youth delegates gained a profound understanding of the importance of giant panda conservation.

Conclusion

The TGYD practical activity held in Chengdu was a resounding success, providing youth delegates with a broad platform for exchange. Through visits, interactions, and exchanges, the youth delegates gained a deeper understanding of Chengdu’s urban planning, cultural and creative industries, sustainable energy, and high-quality development. The delegates expressed their intention to integrate this valuable experience into their future research directions, contributing their efforts to advancing global sustainable development.

From August 20th to 28th, youth delegates will visit various enterprises, research institutes, exhibition halls, etc., in Shenzhen, Chengdu, Beijing, and other places, to gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese society and Chinese culture. Next, the delegation will proceed to Deyang, Sichuan, for further practical activities.

The Tsinghua International Youth Dialogue, hosted by Tsinghua University, is co-organized by Astana International University in Kazakhstan and Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia. With the theme 'Empowering the Youth of Tomorrow, Shaping the Future for the Youth,' and the motto 'United Youth, Shared Future,' the event aims to bring together youth from over 30 countries and regions to delve into global issues through practical activities and dialogue sessions, under the principle of 'Practice + Dialogue.