The 18th Annual International Youth Camp in Shanghai kicks off last week on Wednesday with participants from all across the world aiming to promote cultural exchange.
The 18th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp began in Shanghai with 112 participants from 16 countries, aiming to promote cultural exchange and friendship among young people globally. The countries included Germany, UAE, Chile, France and United States among others.
Fu Jihong, vice president of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC), officially opened the camp.
Sheng Jie’ao, a camper from China, emphasized the camp’s role in facilitating communication and understanding among participants from diverse backgrounds. She highlighted activities such as visiting landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, and staying with host families during the 10-day event.
Marko Petrov and Petra Popovic from Serbia engaged in ice-breaking activities and shared cultural insights with other campers on their first day. Petrov praised the campsite’s cleanliness and pleasant atmosphere, describing the experience positively.
Dorina Inges from Hungary, who started learning Chinese at a young age, expressed excitement about experiencing Shanghai for the first time and looked forward to the cultural classes offered at the camp.
Participants from the UAE, including Khadija Alkhoori, Marya Alshehhi, Faris Eghdani, Eisa Khalifa, and Adel Aldhanhani, showed enthusiasm for Chinese culture, citing interests in history, cuisine, and language learning. They shared their eagerness for making new friends and exploring Shanghai during their visit.
Upon arrival at Shanghai airport, campers experienced the convenience of the expat service center, which provided essential services like payment, telecommunication, and transportation support.
Throughout the event, participants will continue to explore Chinese cities, sample traditional cuisine, and engage in cultural activities, supported by the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shanghai Youth Federation, hosts of the annual camp since 2005.
