Chongqing - Over 300 youth representatives from more than 70 countries witnessed the "Read the World Through Pages and Miles" Youth Exchange Program Launch Ceremony held in Chongqing on April 21.

The event was attended by honorable guests, including Sun Haiyan, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Jiang Hui, Member of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department, and Elifasi Mashaba, Member of the ZANU-PF Politburo & Secretary for Business Development.

The program is a cross-cultural initiative that uses reading salons, fieldwork, youth forums, live broadcasts, and short videos to present a "true, multidimensional, and endearing China" to the world, aiming to build an open and inclusive platform for youth dialogue around the world.

In his opening address, Jiang Hui quoted the Chinese saying, "Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles", emphasizing the harmony between knowledge and action. He noted that Chongqing, as the first stop of the program, symbolizes a journey that will "cross mountains and seas to embrace the world" and encourages young participants to engage with different cultures through "equality, respect, and kindness."

Elifasi Mashaba expressed his fondness for Chinese culture and hoped the event would strengthen youth exchanges between Zimbabwe and China. He also welcomed more Chinese youth to visit his country.

On the same day, "Reading Across Myriad Miles · Literary Two Rivers" Chinese and Foreign Youth Reading Salon: Chongqing Inaugural Session took place at the Chongqing News Media Tower. Centered on themes of "reading the city, literature, and openness", the salon facilitated cross-border intellectual exchanges. Scholars and students explored Chongqing's culture and geography as well as traditional Chinese clothing. Over 300 students from Chongqing University, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and Sichuan International Studies University immersed themselves in this cultural feast.

The overseas student is reading the book about traditional Chinese clothing during the salon (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

The event was co-hosted by Contemporary World Press and Chongqing Daily News Group and organized by Contemporary Yiwen (Beijing) Cultural Exchange Co Ltd and Western China International Communication Organization. Over the next two years, the program will continue to connect global youth, promoting mutual learning among civilizations and writing a new chapter in international cultural exchange.