Chongqing - On November 23, the "Land & Sea China: A Walk in Jinyun Mountain" international volunteer event occurred at Chongqing's Jinyun Mountain Nature Reserve. The event brought together 16 youth volunteers from Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria for an enriching experience supported by local volunteers and cultural organizations.

Walking and studying in Jinyun Mountain (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The program combined interactive training with fieldwork, offering participants a deep dive into Chongqing’s landscapes, rivers, and culture. It also launched a new initiative for international students at Southwest University to engage in volunteer service training and practice.

During the morning session, participants became proud "Chongqing Ambassadors" as they immersed themselves in What is Chongqing, a book that unpacks the city's geography, history, and culture. The youth then created video messages to promote Chongqing to global audiences.

Nguyen Thi Hang from Vietnam shared her insight into Chongqing's nickname, the "City of Eagles," explaining how its mountain ranges form a key ecological corridor for migrating birds. "Every year, over 100,000 raptors pass over Chongqing," she said, adding that the city’s biodiversity is as remarkable as its urban development.

Walking and studying in Jinyun Mountain (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

Waqas from Pakistan passionately recommended visiting the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, describing the stunning scenery as a must-see destination from his own experience.

In the afternoon, the international youth traded their ambassador roles for volunteer badges and explored Jinyun Mountain’s lush forests. Guided by instructor Song Junwei, they studied the local ecosystem, documenting unique plants through writing, sketches, and photos. They marveled at the diversity, from the fire-resistant Sichuan large-leaf tea tree to fern species resembling insect eggs.

"I was amazed to learn about a tree that can resist fire due to its high ignition point," said Qi Ji, a Nigerian student from Southwest University. He emphasized the importance of volunteering to connect with local culture and community.

Walking and studying in Jinyun Mountain (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation and Southwest University’s International College organized the event, which is part of a broader initiative to create a platform for international youth engagement in local volunteer services. The foundation plans to expand training programs and establish international volunteer bases in the future.