On August 27-28, the delegation of the Tsinghua Global Youth Dialogue (TGYD) arrived at its final destination - Beijing. As the capital and cultural center of China, Beijing embodies a wealth of history and cultural heritage. This ancient city not only bears witness to thousands of years of Chinese historical vicissitudes but also stands as a significant representative of Chinese civilization. Over the course of two days, the youth delegates engaged in practical activities under the theme of mutual learning among civilizations, experiencing the charm of Chinese culture, and promoting exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilizations.

 

Activity Schedule

August 27: Visit the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Palace Museum, and conduct symposium.

 

August 28: Visit the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shougang Winter Olympic Park.

 

Practice Review

Cultural Exchange: Experiencing the Charm of Art

At the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the youth delegates observed a rehearsal of the “Soulful Serenity” chamber music concert by the renowned China Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance showcased the unique charm and connotations of Chinese music. During the observation, the youth delegates expressed high appreciation for the exceptional skills and depth exhibited by the orchestra members.

 

The delegates also toured the opera house, concert hall, theater, and art information center at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. These venues, brimming with artistic ambiance and profound cultural heritage, allowed the youth delegates to experience firsthand the allure of art.

During the visit, representatives from various departments of the National Centre for the Performing Arts engaged in discussions with both domestic and international delegates. Emphasizing the substantial role of art in fostering cooperation and exchange between nations, the representatives noted that art serves as a universal language capable of transcending borders and connecting hearts. They highlighted that artistic exchanges contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultures, facilitate international cooperation, and promote the development of global cultural diversity. The youth delegates wholeheartedly agreed, expressing their views and experiences regarding art and international exchange through active participation and sharing.

Aditya Garg from the Indian Institute of Technology highlighted the ability of art to transcend linguistic barriers, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures and emotions. He expressed his hope that the performers from the National Centre for the Performing Arts could conduct performances globally and enable music enthusiasts in remote areas to experience the essence of Chinese art.

Ramsey Reyes, representing the United States and studying at the University of Pennsylvania, raised concerns regarding China’s efforts in nurturing artistic talents. In response, the National Centre for the Performing Arts assured its commitment to providing a platform for aspiring youth and continuously focusing on talent cultivation and dissemination.

The visit and discussions forged a nuanced friendship between the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the youth delegation, opening up new possibilities for international artistic exchanges and cooperation.

Subsequently, the youth delegates visited the renowned Palace Museum, often known as the “Treasure House of Chinese Culture.”

Following the central axis of the Forbidden City, the delegates sequentially toured the three main halls of the Outer Court—the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony—and the three rear palaces of the Inner Court—the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Each palace carries centuries of history and culture, leaving the delegates in awe.

Throughout the visit, the delegates not only admired the precious artifacts of ancient China and experienced the allure of traditional Chinese architecture but also gained a critical understanding of the unique essence of Chinese culture while enriching their knowledge of Chinese history and culture. Upon completion of the tour, they expressed profound admiration and respect for the profoundness and breadth of Chinese culture. The delegates noted that the visit not only deepened their understanding of Chinese culture but also fostered cultural exchanges and cooperation among nations.

Youth Development: A Force in Rural Revitalization

During their visit to the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the delegates participated in a themed symposium titled “International Youth Exchange and Rural Revitalization,” jointly exploring new pathways for youth action. Throughout the event, youth representatives engaged in extensive discussions with association officials on topics such as youth development, rural revitalization, cultural exchange, and social responsibility.

In his opening remarks, Vice President Jiang Jiang of the Association emphasized China’s longstanding commitment to youth development, which strives to provide young people with more opportunities and platforms to pursue their dreams. He stated that the Association will continue to promote international youth exchange and cooperation, foster cultural diversity and friendly exchanges, and build broader developmental stages for youth. Subsequently, Vice Chairperson Wang Xiangyi of the China Association for NGO Cooperation, Director Luo Yulan of Oxfam Hong Kong’s China Program, Deputy Director Zhao Zhanjie of the Center for China and Globalization’s Foreign Cooperation, and Ye Yuting, Chief Editor of the Education Science Department at China Youth Daily, delivered keynote speeches, sharing insights into the experiences of non-governmental organizations in rural development and talent cultivation in China.

During the symposium, youth delegates actively shared their insights into youth development and rural construction projects in their respective countries. International youth representatives unanimously expressed admiration for China’s achievements in rural revitalization, finding the accomplishments of the younger generation in China inspiring. They expressed a desire to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China, jointly promoting youth innovation and entrepreneurship, and advancing global youth progress.

BAY Meng Yi, a youth delegate from Singapore, stated, “I am interested in rural education support. Rural revitalization requires the participation and support of the entire society. Engaging in rural education support can mobilize more educators and youth to participate in rural education, contributing to the realization of rural revitalization."

Abdulla Ahmed Sayed Alawi Alameri from the United Arab Emirates remarked, “During visits to major cities in China, I learned that local governments not only support the growth of businesses but also encourage them to actively engage in social welfare activities. This sets a positive example for the international community.”

Youth delegate from Uganda, Sarah Marjorey Kisakye, also commented, “China’s aid to Africa emphasizes development cooperation and mutual development, rather than just charity relief. This has also ignited my enthusiasm to participate in homeland construction.”

Local Realities: The Chinese Story of Industrialization

The Beijing Shougang Industrial Park adopts the crucial concept of respecting the existing industrial heritage mechanism for its sustainable transformation. By excavating and preserving the original industrial features, it has achieved environmentally friendly and green transformation. Following the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Shougang Industrial Park’s Oxygen Innovation Center introduced industries of the digital economy such as unmanned driving and artificial intelligence, thereby realizing the perfect combination of industrial heritage and post-event sustainable utilization demands. The transformation experience of Shougang, with reuse as its important connotation, provides valuable lessons for the sustainable development planning of other countries and regions.

Here, international youth delegates carefully followed the exhibition route through the park, attentively admiring the various exhibits and cultural relics, all while gaining an in-depth understanding of China’s industrialization process and historical achievements.

Throughout the visit, delegates expressed high appreciation for China’s industrial development. They acknowledged that China, as the world’s second-largest economy, has accomplished remarkable industrial accomplishments. By touring the exhibition park, they gained insights into China’s industrialization journey and technological innovation process, deepening their understanding of China’s development path.

Naman Kapoor, a youth delegate from India, left a closing remark, “Through understanding China’s industrialization process, I have discovered many similarities between China and India as major developing nations. The construction process of late-developing countries can benefit from sharing China’s forward-looking experiences.”

Summary

TGYD aims to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among youth, deepening international youth’s understanding of Chinese culture and developmental experiences.

With the two-day practical activities in Beijing coming to a close, the youth delegates will proceed to Tsinghua University from August 29-30, continuing the themed dialogues on artificial intelligence and the digital economy, climate change and sustainability, and cultural exchanges and dialogues.

Activity Background

TGYD is hosted by Tsinghua University, with co-organization from Astana International University in Kazakhstan and Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia. The event is themed “Empowering the Youth of Tomorrow, Shaping the Future for the Youth,” with this edition focusing on “United Youth, Shared Future.” Throughout the event, youth delegates engage in a combination of practical experiences and dialogues, delving deeply into local Chinese landscapes and discussing global issues collaboratively.