Chongqing -"Wow, look at the bridge illuminated with colorful lights! It's so beautiful!" On the evening of March 24th, a group of international students from Sichuan International Studies University (SISU) watched and took photos of Chaotianmen Bridge from the riverbank trail.
They were participating in the "Experience China • The Bridge Capital - Chongqing" activity, which allowed them to explore the bridges of Chongqing with the guidance of Mr. Huang He, who had been involved in the construction of many major bridges in Chongqing and documented them with his camera.
Mr.Huang He is introducing bridges in Chongqing to foreign students studying at SISU (Photo/Mu Xuelin)
On the same afternoon, Mr. Huang He delivered a captivating lecture titled Bridges in Chongqing to the participating students. He shared an array of captivating photos of various bridges around the world, including China's traditional and modern bridges that he had captured through his lens. He also shared intriguing stories about bridges ranging from traditional ones to modern ones, both foreign and domestic.
Mr. Huang focused his discussion on the bridges in Chongqing and revealed what made the city the Capital of Bridges in China. He demonstrated the impressive development of bridges in Chongqing by showcasing how the construction ceremonies for major bridges have evolved over the decades. In the past, one ceremony was held for one major bridge, which increased to two major bridges, and now it is three major bridges. Today, the construction of five major bridges can be completed within a year in Chongqing.
In addition, significant breakthroughs were highlighted in designing, constructing, manufacturing, and other aspects of bridge building in Chongqing that have contributed to the development of major world-class bridges in the city.
Mr. Huang He is showing Chongqing's bridges in reality to foreign students on the top of the tower in Eling Park (Photo/Mu Xuelin)
Following the lecture, the participants were treated to a visit to Eling Park and Chaotianmen Bridge. At the top of the tower in Eling Park, a breathtaking panorama of the downtown skyline unfolded in front of our guests. The sight of the numerous major bridges spanning over the Yangtze River and Jialing River left them in awe. Mr. Huang He was also present to introduce the bridges in person, using the knowledge he had shared during the lecture. The students couldn't resist giving their approval and commented that "Chongqing truly deserves the title 'the capital of bridges in China!'" They also acknowledged that the bridges play a vital role in connecting the river-crossing city, making every part of the city easily accessible.
Mr. Huang He and foreign students in front of Chaotianmen Bridge. (Photo/Mu Xuelin)
According to the introduction, the lecture and tour were part of the "Experience China • the Bridge Capital-Chongqing" activity. In the previous week, the participating students visited Wulong National Geopark, where they viewed natural stone bridges. Zhu Tianxiang, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange at SISU, stated that the activity, with the theme of bridges, aimed to help foreign students studying in Chongqing get to know the city better. Chongqing, a mountain city with rivers winding through it, boasts diverse river-crossing bridges, multiple viaducts, and overpasses due to its unique geography and landform. Moreover, the development of bridges reflects the fast growth of Chongqing's economy. "Exploring bridges in Chongqing helps foreign students understand the city better," said Zhu Tianxiang. Furthermore, "bridge" serves to connect people, and in this sense, SISU, as the organizer of the activity, establishes a people-to-people communication bridge to deepen friendship between China and other countries.
After the activity wrapped up, participants left with unforgettable memories. Jin Shuxian from Kyrgyzstan expressed her amazement at the beautiful bridges, and He Dewei from Thailand stated that the journey was informative and he gained a lot from this impressive experience.