The 2024 Ningxia International Youth Friendship Camp (the Camp), themed A Date with Youth in Ningxia, successfully concluded in Yinchuan on July 31. In order to fully implement President Xi Jinping’s guidelines emphasizing the importance of people, youth, and subnational exchanges, the Camp invited outstanding young representatives from twelve countries including the ROK, Kazakhstan, Mongolia to explore Ningxia alongside local youth. The Camp offers opportunities to experience the fine traditional Chinese culture, learn about the development of Ningxia’s specialty and advantageous industries as well as its efforts in culture and tourism integration, ecological conservation of the Yellow River basin, and desertification prevention and control. It has enhanced communication, understanding and friendship among Chinese and international youth, injecting vitality into the development of Ningxia’s relations with international friendship cities. The Camp has also been included in the achievement list of the Thematic Forum on People-to-People Connectivity of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The Camp is packed with engaging activities, such as intangible cultural heritage experiences, homestays, the Friendship Night, and field trips. What activities impress the youth the most? How do they feel about Ningxia, a treasure land in west China? As the Camp comes to a close, let’s review the highlights together.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences

During the event, the youth participated in a study tour at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center of Yinchuan. They gained a deeper understanding of Ningxia’s rich intangible cultural heritage, which includes Helan inkstone crafting, brick carving, clay sculpture, gourd carving, rope weaving, Niwawu (a local folk musical instrument) crafting, and paper cutting. They even had the opportunity to try carving Helan inkstones, creating Ningxia sand paintings, and practicing paper cutting by themselves.

The distinctive Helan inkstone artworks, the delicate Chinese sand paintings, and the stunning paper-cuttings were a source of wonder and amazement for the youth. “This is my first time trying paper-cutting. It’s simple—just fold the red paper a few times and make some cuts. Suddenly, intricate designs like red stars and other decorative patterns come to life. It’s incredible,” exclaimed Diyorbek Ermatov, a young man from Uzbekistan. “China’s traditional folk arts boast a rich history, and each region has its own cultural characteristics. This experience has made me eager to explore more of China’s history and culture. I can’t wait to see more places and delve into more traditional arts and crafts.”

Homestays

The program also includes a special homestay experience with local families, during which international youth were hosted by Ningxia youths and their family members and they spent a memorable day and night together. The youths joined the square dance in the park with the elderly people, appreciated Chinese art at galleries, made dumplings with their host families, and savored Chinese specialty cuisines like lamb skewers, lamian noodles, pan-fried dumplings, and crayfish.

“Before coming to China, I constantly worried about whether I could really participate in a homestay as I couldn’t speak Chinese, adapt to the weather in China, or agree with the local food. However, as the activities progressed, all these worries were completely dispelled by the great hospitality and delicious food. I will remember everything here, remember the friends from Ningxia and various countries around the world.” Park Chan-Ho from Gyeongsangbuk-do, the ROK, is very fond of his host family. His first trip to China has been a heartwarming experience, immersed in the hospitality of the Chinese people.

The Friendship Night

On the fourth day, the highly anticipated Friendship Night commenced at the desert camp in Zhongwei City. The international youth representatives not only shared their experiences and feelings, but also delivered well-prepared performances such as solo singing Nanniwan, chorus, dance, B-Box, and guitar playing. The evening was further enhanced by the star-gazing activity and a bonfire party. The youth visited the comprehensive sand control site the following day, where they learned and practiced the method of making straw checkboard barriers, gaining insights into the challenges and achievements of the sand control efforts of Zhongwei, a city renowned as a water city in desert and the hometown of stars.

“Ningxia’s rapid development epitomizes China’s great development achievements. Our goji and wines are famous worldwide, our traditional arts such as paper cutting, sand painting, and carving boast time-honored history, and our desert tourism industry is gaining recognition. The unique features of Ningxia demonstrate the charm of China. As a member of the younger generation, I am willing to join efforts with all of you to promote friendship and cooperation among nations.” Lv Yifan, a young representative from Ningxia, said proudly at the opening ceremony.