Zhao Anqi
The 8th China-Africa Youth Festival kicked off on 20 May. 64 young representatives from 52 African members of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) visit Beijing and Zhejiang Province during their eight-day trip to further deepen mutual understanding and China-Africa friendship.
African youth experienced Chinese culture at Soong Ching Ling Science and Cultural Center for Young People in Beijing on 20 May,2024. Photo by Zhao Anqi
After the opening ceremony, the African youth experienced a variety of traditional Chinese culture, such as printing and dyeing, tea, calligraphy and traditional Chinese medicine, at the China Soong Ching Ling Science and Cultural Center for Young People in Beijing.
Madina Saleh Ali, a young representative from Djibouti, explored the mysteries of Chinese tea culture. She had tried Chinese tea in Djibouti during the ceremony of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Djibouti. "It is very nice to discover here in China. It's a different thing. We are really happy to be here."
"It was nice to experience how Chinese people made clothes from the old times." Julia Mtsweni, a young representative from South Africa, experienced printing and dyeing. She has bought "Hanfu" (traditional Chinese clothes) during her first visit to China."It's nice and not too heavy, so it's comfortable actually to wear a dress. I like it."
"The country is beautiful. So far I have seen beautiful buildings and infrastructure." Mokhethi Mpotso, a young representative from Lesotho, is visiting China for the first time and hopes to taste more Chinese food. "I do love Chinese food, but I'm expecting to learn and experience so many things about the culture."
"I'm really happy to come to China and experience the rich culture of China. I'm sure I will learn so many things about how people communicate, about the culture and the food, which will help me in the future." Ahmed Hassan, a young representative from Somalia, is also visiting China for the first time. "Definitely, it will not be the last time. I will be back soon."
