Opinion | Chengdu, Chinese city of youth, bracing for World University Games
By Augustus K. Yeung
INTRODUCTION
The mere mention of Chengdu evokes my pent-up sentiments. After studying fourteen years in Canada and becoming a life-long learner, my first trip was to Chengdu, Sichuan province.
It was a trip of self-discovery. I boarded a boat in Wuhan and travelled up the Yangtze River – which reminded me of a Chinese proverb, "Leaning is like going up the [Yangtze] Rive; you either move up or go down." Part of the way up-stream, our boat had to be pulled up by a dozen yeomen – with upper part of their bodies naked.
When I made it to I-Cheng, I alone sat on the edge of a mountain outside the Bei-Di Castle, reminiscing the life of Chuko Liang. His dying Lord Liu Pei begged him to assist the infant Prince, who was spoiled by the eunuchs – and lost the fragmented Han empire to its adversary.
And I visited the hut of Du Fu, the Tang poet, dubbed "the saint of poetry". He was the people's poet, who lamented not his own state of poverty, but the wretched life of the folks caused by the historic An-Si Chaotic War in Tang Dynasty.
And now Chungking, China's war time capital – during its war of resistance against the Japanese Imperial Army – also came to mind. It was meant to be a pleasure trip, but it ended up being a journey back to Chinese war time history,
The 31st edition of FISU World University Games is now open in Chengdu, southwest province of Sichuan. The biennial event for the world's elite student athletes fits in well with the city, now amazingly dubbed a "Youth City" – in which Chinese leaders and Western young people come to build a city of dreams.
Note: The number of residents aged between 14 and 45 in Chengdu exceeds 9.6 million, accounting for over 45 percent of the city's population, making it one of the most vibrant cities in mainland.
President Xi Jinping and the Chinese First Lady came to Chengdu, where they greeted the athletes. The president even made an inspection tour, instructing the local officials to take advantage of this mega sports event – to advance the city's scientific, industrial and economic development.
Enter Zhang Siyu, a transportation volunteer, Chen Si, the founder of a technology start-up and …
On a hustling and bustling street in Chengdu, 28-year-old Zhang Siyu works as a transportation volunteer for the Universiade offering assistance for tourists.
In 2017, a song titled "Chengdu" became a national hit in the country. In the same year, Zhang was admitted to the graduate program in Computer Science at Sichuan University. After graduation, he decided to settle down in this ancient city – with a history of 2,000 years.
Like Zhang, an increasing number of fresh graduates seeking jobs has chosen Chengdu as a top destination, not only because of career prospects, but also because of the city's healthy work and life balance.
Note: Chengdu boasts the largest number of teahouses in mainland. Dotted throughout the city, they provide a lot more than just tea. They are used as a leisure place to relax and engage in social activities.
"I really enjoy the teahouses," said 37-year-old Chen Si, the founder of a technology start-up Beidou Zhixun. "The fast-paced work can be well balanced with a good quality of life."
Along with the growth of the young population comes greater enthusiasm for sports.
Wang Dongguo, Operations Manager of Chengdu CDT Sports Park, said that their courts and pitches are always booked.
"Our sports facilities are in high demand, with the football league matches taking place every day. Trendy sports events usually unfold over the weekends, as everyone revels in the solace of sports," Wang said. (Source: Xinhua)
CONCLUSION
Chengdu is not a stranger to foreigners, this time around staging international sporting events. This mega-city of over 220 million people once played host to the American military in World War II, especially the heroic Flying Tigers, a squadron of American fighter pilots that defeated the Japanese Imperial bombers which had been devastating this mountainous city, reducing hundreds of houses to debris.
Reminiscing this heroic part of history that records the Chinese and the Americans fighting an aggressor was something consoling. However, in contrast with the present anti-China sentiments, many Chinese hearts are now broken.
Back to reality. It is comforting to see that Chengdu in Sichuan province is now showcasing traditional Chinese charm and hospitality while embracing the modern world with Universiade. It will also host the World Games in 2025.
With over 10,000 student athletes from home and abroad descended on Chengdu, it is expected to captivate the world's youth with its diverse cultures.
"Athletes participating in the 31st World University Summer Games will encounter a unique experience in Chengdu," said Reynold Aid, the Acting President of the International University Sports Federation.
"It is not only sporting competition but an opportunity to immerse in Chengdu's educational and research activities – and savor the city's captivating culture."
This sentiment was shared by Oliver Jones, a Briton who met his Chinese wife while they were studying in Australia. Six years ago, Jones accompanied her back to her hometown Chengdu and then they got married.
Jones serves as a foreign volunteer at the Tongzilin International Community Center, where he is in charge of creating social media content. Throughout his short videos, Jones showcases Chengdu's treasures from giant pandas and tea houses to the mouthwatering delicacies.
"I want to show foreign friends the essence of China and let the world know about the beauty and delectable flavors of Chengdu". Jones commented.
In the eyes of Kelly Barbosa De Arruda, the press liaison officer for the Brazilian delegation, this city with a history of over 2,000 years surprisingly exudes youthfulness and epitomizes an international ambiance.
"Even at the airport, you can sense Chengdu's modernity, making it an ideal venue for hosting major sports events," said Kelly upon her arrival in Chengdu. Of course I agree!
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:
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