Overseas Chinese are important bearers and disseminators of Chinese culture, serving as bridges for cultural exchange between China and the world. On the occasion of International Children's Day, the Jinan International Communication Center invited local Chinese and overseas Chinese youth in Bath, UK, to participate in the "Jinan-Bath: Jointly Building a Green Dream" cultural exchange event. Through discussions, postcard exchanges, tree planting, and handwritten message cards, the event provided a meaningful holiday experience for the young participants.
During the discussion session, youth from Jinan introduced traditional Chinese culture, such as calligraphy, tea art, and paper-cutting, to their peers in Bath, allowing them to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture. Additionally, the youth from Jinan and Bath prepared postcards showcasing the features of their respective cities exchanged them and explained the content to each other. The children gathered around, admiring the exquisite postcards and gaining a more intuitive understanding of the landscapes and characteristics of both cities.
On a sunny afternoon, the children of overseas Chinese, accompanied by their parents, joyfully arrived at the park, equipped with small shovels, watering cans, and other tools. They were ready to plant a friendship tree on the lush green land.
Amid laughter and cheer, the children began the tree-planting activity. They divided tasks among themselves: some were responsible for digging holes, others for filling soil, and some for watering. Through their collective effort, a small sapling was firmly planted in the soil, swaying in the wind with vitality and vigor.
The participating children expressed their happiness in being part of the tree planting activity and contributing to the friendship between the sister cities. They hope the friendship tree will continue to grow strong.
This event allowed the children of overseas Chinese to participate in cultural exchange actively. As the friendship tree grows, so will the friendship between Jinan and Bath, which will become ever more deep-rooted and flourishing.
(Li Xiaotong; Yuan Yuhua; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Liang Ruixin; Dou Zhuoran; Kuang Qiongqiong; )