In June, Chongqing launched the second large cultural tourism event to promote local high-quality tourism products and cultural and creative products. Han Jian, who has been a volunteer for the event for two consecutive sessions, showed us another side of Chongqing through his perspective.
I want to "sing" the city to the world
Han Jian once studied at Chongqing University, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and Peking University. In 2014, he went to study in the US as a joint doctoral candidate sponsored by the Chinese government. After returning to China in 2016, he chose to work in Chongqing, though not a native of the city.
Han Jian at Chaotianmen
"I chose Chongqing simply because it is a very inclusive and open city. It is a great place to work and study," said Han. Speaking native Chongqing dialect, in Han's opinion, can help him adapt to the city more quickly.
By chance, Han received the guidance of some famous musicians when he was a teenager. So, now he can still sing very well. After settling in Chongqing, Han embarked on learning Bayu Culture and tried to sing the local folk songs — Shanty and Happy Sunrise to his friends and students.
"In the future, I will pick up more knowledge about local folk songs in my spare time, so as to help international friends know more about the city by 'singing' the city to the world," Han said.
Han Jian with children
Everyone can share the beauty of Chongqing in different ways
In fact, before he became a volunteer for the above promotion event, Han was a volunteer for public welfare. He has participated in the volunteer activities organized by the Red Cherry Blossom Charity in Chongqing for many years.
"In my first year back in Chongqing, I took my students to participate in the research and practice of this public welfare project," Han said.
He introduced that in assisting the poor children in remote mountainous areas, the local government has limited financial funds. Thus, how to encourage society to actively, continuously, and effectively offer hands is their research topic. "In the course of our participation, we have provided cases such as celebrity effect, corporate donation, and one-to-one assistance for students in mountainous areas from prestigious universities in Chongqing," he said.
Han Jian and students
Talking about these volunteer activities, Han has a myriad of thoughts. "I clearly remember every one of them. For example, in the 'Winter Needle Love' activity, 300,000 volunteers and citizens volunteered to weave scarves, gloves, and hats for the poor children in frozen mountainous areas to help them live through the winter. And in the 'Autumn Thrift Love' activity, more than 3,000 badminton enthusiasts went to the mountainous area to teach left-behind children and children living in difficulty to play badminton for exercise purpose. When you get involved in it, you can stand a chance to get a deeper understanding of its significance and value," Han said.
In Han's eyes, volunteering either for public welfare or the promotion event can make the city warmer. "I believe everyone living here can volunteer to share the beauty of Chongqing in their own way," Han said.