EU-China Youth Week Kicks off

Nearly 100 delegates from 27 EU countries are gathering in the ancient city of Xi'an to participate in the EU-China week. They are going to discover China and exchange ideas with their Chinese counterparts through a variety of activities.

Zhao Yang has the story.

Xi'an boasts of rich culture and history as an ancient Chinese capital for 16 ruling dynasties. In modern times, it has also unfolded with an ever-changing appearance and rapid development. Thus, it represents one of the best windows to showcase China to an international audience keen to witness elements of sustainable development, which is the theme of the EU-China week.

Delegates are set to visit the Qujiang Pool Relics Park, which reproduces the grand landscapes and artifacts of the Han and Tang Dynasties, integrating historical cultural protection, ecological gardens and entertainment.

Ryan Mercieca, vice-president of the National Youth Council Malta, says he is amazed by the vitality of Chinese culture.

"This park is very beautiful, it has an amazing nature. Also it helps Europeans to learn and understand more of Chinese way of doing things, Chinese life, Chinese way of thinking."

They visited the management center of the Qujiang New District, where they were introduced to the progress that has been made in turning the area into an economic and tourism powerhouse, with strong creative industries.

Slovenian delegate Petra Jamnik says, as the city is growing and expanding, precautions and measures should be taken to make the city more livable.

"The exhibition hall is very impressive, because it is beautiful. We saw a lot of things. It would be nice to have some presentation about the sustainability of the city, the future."

The program will also include cycling on the gate towers, visiting the Xi'an International Horticulture Exposition, and holding in-depth discussions with Chinese youngsters.

Wu Wei, who is in charge of the event, says the program will have a profound impact in building bridges towards friendship.

"The people-to-people exchange and face-to-face dialogue between Chinese and European youth is a more effective way than visiting campuses or seeing a lot of development achievements. This is integral to deepening our bilateral ties."

Previously, the delegates also explored the city of Beijing as well as learning the knowledge of the Communist Party of China.

For CRI, this is Zhao Yang.