Chongqing — More than 100 international volunteers from universities in Chongqing joined a charity hike through Wuling Mountain Rift Valley on Sept. 5, turning their walking steps into donations to support rural children's reading.

The event coincided with China Charity Day and the 99 Giving Day. It was hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Fuling District Committee and organized by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation.

Students from Chongqing University, Southwest University and Chongqing Medical University, representing countries including Russia, Australia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Thailand and India, first gathered at Yan Shang Garden in Damu town, Fuling district, for a book donation ceremony.

International volunteers participating in a charity event in Damu town, Fuling district, Chongqing, Sept. 5. (Photo/Organizer)

Among the donated books was "Wang Erxiao", presented by Pakistani volunteer Saif Ullah to a local child.

“The boy in the book was 13 years old when he gave his life during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. His courage and fearlessness deeply moved me, and I want to share his story with the children,” Saif Ullah said.

Five companies donated books to the Yingxin Community Library in Damu town. The Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation also presented certificates of appreciation to the participating companies.

Harvey, a Polish student at Chongqing University, donated a copy of "Harry Potter", hoping it would encourage children to read and develop their imaginations, while Muhammad Maaz of Pakistan brought "Selected Poems of Rabindranath Tagore".

International volunteers give books to local children during a charity event in Damu town, Fuling district, Chongqing, Sept. 5. (Photo/Organizer)

For local children, the donated books offered opportunities for both entertainment and learning.

“This is a book given to me by a foreign volunteer. It has both Chinese and English, so I can learn English through the book,” said Shi Shitong, who received "The Little Prince".

Tao Jing, head of a public welfare project at Zhaoxin Education Technology Group, said transferring books from urban children's bookshelves to rural libraries can give children in rural communities access to more reading materials.

Wu Xudong, Party secretary of Yingxin Community in Damu town, said books provided through the Rural Reading Program have broadened children's reading choices and encouraged their interest in reading.

The volunteers then traveled to Wuling Mountain Rift Valley for the charity hike. After arriving at the cableway entrance, they set out on the route through the scenic area before returning by Ping'an Pavilion Cableway.

Their steps also contributed to the fundraising campaign. Through the “Yikuai Zou” WeChat mini program, participants could donate their daily steps, with participating companies providing matching contributions when volunteers donated 6,000 steps.

Thenmozhi, an Indian volunteer, said the landscape made a strong impression on her.

“I was amazed by the scenery when I first arrived at Wuling Mountain Rift Valley. It was meaningful to take part in the event with my friends, experience Chinese culture and raise funds for children's reading through hiking,” she said.

Nigerian volunteer OKOYE NKECHI EMMANUELLA noted the initiative gave participants a way to turn their daily walking into tangible support for children.

“We can donate the steps we accumulate by walking and turn them into a force for public welfare, allowing children to benefit. I think this event is very special,” she said.

The broader campaign was launched July 31. More than 5,000 members of the public have participated in daily online step check-ins, and more than 70,000 step-donation participants have been recorded so far. The campaign has raised 50,000 yuan through donated steps.

Funds raised through the Wuling Mountain Rift Valley hike will support the Rural Reading Program, including improvements to rural reading spaces and outdoor group-reading activities.

Yang Tao, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Fuling District Committee, said the initiative gave international volunteers an opportunity to participate in public welfare while experiencing Bashu culture and the natural landscape of Wuling Mountain Rift Valley, and to share stories about Chongqing with audiences beyond China.