From September 12 to 17, at the invitation of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh, a youth delegation formed by the Bangladesh Chhatra League, comprising members of different educational backgrounds embarked on a visit to Hefei City, located in Anhui Province, China. The youth delegation was given a warm welcome by prominent figures from the International Department of the Communist Party of China and the Foreign Affairs Office of Anhui Province. During their visit, both sides engaged in an interactive session focused on enhancing inter-party youth exchanges between China and Bangladesh.
This writer had the opportunity to be among the select few members of the youth delegation who journeyed to China. This experience allowed for a deep immersion in traditional Chinese culture made possible through the Cultural Exchange Program.
On the delegation's first day in Anhui, the team stepped into the Anhui Museum, where they immersed themselves in the fascinating history of Chinese dynasties. Among the museum's standout attractions were the relics of the Zhou dynasty and the intriguing creatures of the Shom dynasty. Later that evening, the delegation gathered for a lavish dinner hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of Anhui Province. There the writer and her fellow delegates shared their thoughts on the growing China-Bangladesh partnership and the nuances and uniqueness of traditional Chinese cuisine.
In the following days, the youths embarked on a captivating journey through some of Anhui's esteemed educational institutions, including Anhui University, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei University of Technology, and Anhui University of Science and Technology. During these visits, we engaged in enlightening discussions and forged meaningful connections with both educators and students.
Youths' thirst for knowledge extended beyond the classroom as they delved into the basics of the Chinese language and gained a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between tea crops and the thriving agricultural sector. It was astonishing to learn that tea leaves serve as the foundation for a diverse array of products, including beers, powders, and coffees, which are distributed across China's domestic and international markets.
The team's cultural exploration continued with immersive experiences in traditional Chinese tea culture, where we were treated to mesmerising tea art performances. The intricate craft of traditional Chinese paper cutting was also unveiled before our eager eyes, offering a glimpse into China's rich artistic heritage.
The delegation also stepped into the university canteen and rolled up our sleeves to partake in the hands-on experience of crafting momos, providing them with an authentic taste of Chinese culinary traditions. All of the students also made unique Chinese medicines at Chinese medicine centres and experienced the herbs used in acupuncture therapy. The delegation got the opportunity to take warm massages and cup treatments in those medical centres to ease the hectic pace of the tour for us.
The journey took them to the forefront of innovation as they explored the operations of cutting-edge technology firms, including iFLYTECK and EASpeed. There the youths witnessed firsthand how AI (artificial intelligence) and sensors are revolutionising the way teachers assess students' work, a revelation that left the Bangladeshi youths truly impressed.
Among the many memorable experiences, the Ancient City Wall in Shou County stands out as a personal favourite. This historical marvel showcases an ancient approach to combating flood-prone regions, leaving me in awe of the ingenious solutions of bygone eras. Equally captivating was the architectural model of buildings designed for vessel production, a site that beckoned for a return visit.
In Dawei Town, the epicentre of rural revitalisation in Anhui Province, they explored the remarkable model village known as ‘Motan Village’. This visit offered us a glimpse into China's remarkable strides in poverty alleviation and rural revival. As they wandered through grape production gardens, indulging in the freshness of the grapes, youths savoured the essence of Huinan City on our final day-a fitting conclusion to their extraordinary journey.
Being in China for the first time, Anhui City left a lasting impression on the youths. Its deep cultural history and valuable historical sites made our visit truly engaging. The friendly and welcoming nature of the Chinese people made our trip even more special and meaningful.
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