Chongqing - "Welcome to China!" It's the greeting of the night as overseas delegates and volunteers gathered at the FISU Games Village on August 1, creating an atmosphere brimming with warmth and laughter.

The FISU Games Village, a hub where athletes can stay, rest, and interact with fellow participants, was buzzing with activity. Every afternoon, the leisure area sparkles to life with vibrant lights, and stalls offering mouthwatering specialties tempt numerous international participants to explore the rich Chinese culture beyond the sports arena.

Overseas participants tried Chinese traditional customs. (Photo/CQNEWS.net)

Overseas participants had the chance to dive into diverse traditional Chinese cultural activities such as paper-cutting, facial painting, calligraphy, knitting, and Taiji. Guided by expert instructors, participants learned and practiced the techniques, offering them a taste of authentic Chinese culture.

"I am a track and field athlete from Azerbaijan. I enjoy learning Chinese," said Nazim, an athlete who was practicing Chinese calligraphy with great enthusiasm.

"I adore this slow-paced sport. After playing Taiji, I feel relaxed. What a fantastic sport!" a Pakistani athlete shared her joy after her first Taiji experience.

At the "Chinese Bridge" language learning event, many international participants learned spoken and written Chinese and even sang Chinese songs. They often greeted Chinese individuals with "Hello" and expressed their gratitude with a Chinese "Thank you."

International delegations experienced weaving. (Photo/CQNEWS.net)

The Universiade Village has organized a series of activities featuring Chinese culture, youth spirit, and the ambiance of the new era to foster unity among youth from different countries. Thousands have joined these events, creating strong bonds between delegations, cultural heritage inheritors, local artists, and volunteers. Athletes often express their love for Chinese culture and their desire to return to China by leaving heartfelt messages or stamps on scrolls.

Until August 7, the Village will host daily "Be Together" themed galas that highlight traditional Chinese cultural activities such as calligraphy and painting. Participants will also be able to engage in crafts of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, including bamboo weaving, paper-cutting, and Sichuan embroidery.

International delegations learned paper-cutting. (Photo/CQNEWS.net)

The FISU World University Games is more than a sports event; it celebrates cultural exchange. Young people from diverse nations gather here, filling the Universiade Village with vibrant energy and enthusiasm. We hope each participant creates lasting memories and experiences joy-filled moments during their stay.

(Yang Yuanchun, as an intern, also contributed to this report)