Chongqing - On March 29th, the awarding ceremony for the "China in My Eyes - Colorful Folklore" short video contest, organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), was held in Southwest China's Chongqing.

Established in 2021, the "China in My Eyes" short video contest has garnered widespread attention, with over 130 million views across three editions. This year's focus on "Colorful Folklore" aimed to encourage foreign nationals in China to capture the essence of Chinese traditional culture in their short videos, promoting cultural exchange and understanding between China and the world.

Recently, 13 contest winners visited various landmarks in Chongqing, including the Former Residence of Zhou Enlai, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, the Liziba Station Lookout Platform, the Stilwell Museum, and WFC Huixian Building Viewing Deck, to deepen their understanding of the city's rich cultural heritage.

At the ceremony, Zlata Molitvina, a first-prize winner and an international student from Kyrgyzstan, expressed her deep connection to Chongqing, saying, "Although I've only been studying in Chongqing for two years, this city's unique charm has deeply captivated me. It has become my second home."

Taras Kutsenko from Ukraine, a second prize winner, shared his enthusiasm for Chongqing's cultural richness. "Chongqing is a wonderful city with rich cultural and historical heritage. Even though Chongqing is a multimillion city, it is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. Visiting the sights has encouraged me to create my new music album, which I will call 'Chongqing Reflexion.' It will include music tracks about how I hear Chongqing," said he.

Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a third-prize winner from Bangladesh, praised Chongqing: "Chongqing, with its vibrant energy, stunning landscapes, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine, is a city that leaves a lasting impression. It is a place where tradition meets progress, the past intertwines with the present, and the spirit of its people shines through. My experience in Chongqing will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of China's beauty and diversity."

"Today, we are gathered here for a dialogue that transcends borders, cultures, and generations—a dialogue on intercultural communication," he added.

Joshua Harry Evans from the UK, also a third-prize winner, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to cultural exchange in China, stating, "Improving cultural exchange in China requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing education, technology, community engagement, sports, and government support. By embracing these methods and fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity, we can build bridges across borders, deepen mutual understanding, and pave the way for a more harmonious and interconnected world."