International youths enjoy 'I Love Shanghai Orientation' program

Updated: Jul 26, 2021 chinadaily.com.cn Print

Share - WeChat

Participating members take selfies on the Bund in Shanghai, on July 19, 2021. [Photo by Yang Hong/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The 39 teenagers currently participating in the 16th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp underwent the "I Love Shanghai Orientation" activity in Shanghai on July 19.

With the theme of peace, friendship and future, the camp has attracted nearly 1,500 teenagers from about 70 countries and regions since its founding in 2005.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's camp only involves foreign teenagers living in Shanghai.

Organized by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shanghai Youth Federation, the one-day orientation activity took participants on a tour of classic sites in Shanghai such as the North Bund, the Lujiazui area, the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Wukang Mansion and Wuzhong Road Station.

Each participant was provided with a canvas bag which contained items such as face masks, disinfectant, Band-Aids, essential balm, wet wipes, one-day public transportation cards and cards stipulating their tasks.

Participants used shared bike to tour Shanghai, on July 19, 2021. [Photo by Yang Hong/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Divided into groups, the teenagers were required to travel on foot or using public transport options like shared bike, metro, bus and ferry to get to their stipulated destinations. Upon arrival, they had to take photos with Shanghai landmarks and have their task cards stamped.

Samichhya Karki, a 13-year-old Nepalese student, said the experience was a memorable one.

"I made many friends from around the world today. I hope to make more international friends like this in the future," said Karki.

"I think the camp is really fun and interesting and it creates an environment where we are able to make friends with people we probably won't meet otherwise. Also, Shanghai is a beautiful city. I absolutely love it!" said Isabel Katharine Braithwaite, a Swedish teenager who has lived in Shanghai for three years.

Tomonari Nakano, a Japanese student, shared the same sentiment.

"I can feel the sense of ebullience of Shanghai life through this activity," he added.

The 16th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp started in Shanghai on July 13 and will ends on July 21.