Chongqing - In March 2025, the Sino-US Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest, hosted by Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, was officially launched in Chongqing.
With "Bird-Friendly City" as its core topic, the competition unites many primary and secondary schools and institutions in China and the United States, aiming to promote sustainable urban development and biodiversity protection through youth ecological and cultural exchanges, as well as innovative practices.
In March 2025, the Sino-US Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest, hosted by Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, was officially launched in Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
Chongqing, the world's only megacity built on a raptor migration route and a parallel ridge-valley landscape, provides a unique ecological setting for this initiative. By mid-April, the publicity team had visited more than ten primary and secondary schools, including the High School Affiliated to Southwest University, Bashu Ivy School, and Chongqing Nankai Middle School.
By mid-April, the publicity team had visited more than ten primary and secondary schools. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)
Activities such as science lectures, bird-watching field trips, and interactive workshops encouraged students to explore topics including campus ecological surveys and case studies on bird-friendly cities. Their creative outputs include illustrations, reports, and videos, offering practical, innovative paths toward eco-friendly urban living.
Ding Xizhe, a student at Chongqing Nankai Middle School, said the publicity activity helped the team sharpen their research focus and move from planning to action.
Wen Shuya, a student at Chongqing Foreign Language School, shared that the event inspired her to observe and reflect on the natural beauty of the city. “Chongqing is not only a city of mountains and bridges, but also an ‘Eagle City.’”
Huang Jing, a teacher at the International Department of Chongqing Nankai Middle School, emphasized the significance of the exchange: “This activity is not only an opportunity for Chinese students to understand the world, but also a window through which the world can see Chongqing.”
Sun Zhi, head of Chongqing Optimistic Earth, added that he hopes students will be encouraged to share Chongqing’s ecological story with the world after learning about key environmental concepts.
This contest marks a new chapter in ecological exchange between Chinese and American youth. Next, the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation plans to host an online event connecting schools from both countries to promote creative collaboration.
Through joint efforts, the hope is to build a more bird-friendly city and contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity conservation.
(Wang Shuyun, as an intern, also contributed to the report)