The opening ceremony of the "Youth Blossoms - Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Activities of World University Athletes" was held at the new museum of Sichuan University on July 26. The event is jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (State Council Information Office), Ministry of Education, and the People's Government of Sichuan Province.

A series of cultural exchange activities, including the National Treasure New Rhythm Museum Cultural and Creative Fair, the Grand Memories Foreign Youth Film Program, the Enjoying Reading China Cultural Fine Exhibition, and the Fascinating Intangible Cultural Heritage Chinese Cultural Experience, were officially announced during the ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, the Peking Opera "Goddess Splits the Mountain" was presented, with a harmonious performance of both Chinese and foreign songs. Youth from China and foreign countries sang the song of the great Olympics together, showcasing a dialogue of civilization between East and West.

The opening ceremony of the "Youth Blossoms - Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Activities of World University Athletes" is held at the new museum of Sichuan University on July 26. [Photo/ Xinhua]

As one of the important events of this exchange activity, the "Youth In Time" Athletes' Gala of the Chengdu 31st World University Summer Games will be held on the evening of the 29th at the ASEAN Art Center Theatre in the Athletes' Village. Through various forms such as traditional Chinese style, folk music, Sichuan river ballad, rap, street dance, and electronic sound, the gala aims to provide a platform for communication, understanding, and deepening friendship among university athletes.

"This is a moment that is very meaningful and exciting, where various cultures collide. I believe that the Universiade is a good opportunity to reflect on the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind," said Ricardo Romani, the mentor of the International University Sports Federation Youth Reporter program.

Foreign university students enthusiastically participated in traditional Chinese sports such as cuju (an ancient Chinese football game), pot-throwing, archery, and diabolo. The joint cultural and creative exhibition was organized by more than 20 domestic museums, including the Palace Museum and the National Museum of China.

The opening ceremony of the "Youth Blossoms - Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Activities of World University Athletes" is held at the new museum of Sichuan University on July 26. [Photo/ Xinhua]

"The Museum Culture and Creative Expo connects sports with culture in multiple ways and truly embodies youthfulness," said Wu Hongliang, the dean of the Beijing Academy of Fine Arts and curator, in his speech at the launch ceremony. "A set of letters, a scented sachet, a doll, or even a small refrigerator magnet can make Chinese culture shine with new brilliance and convey new energy."

"The hosting of the 31st World University Summer Games has filled this city with the power of youth and vitality," said the writer A Lai, who was invited as a special guest at the event. "The convening of this international sporting event has provided a broad bridge for peaceful exchanges between the Chinese nation and the world."

After the official start of the series of cultural exchange activities, the athlete's village of the Chengdu Universiade will become even more lively. During the trial operation period, many athletes have already brought their friends to experience the traditional skills of shadow puppetry, face painting, and wearing Hanfu traditional clothing  with inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.

"Athletes from around the world have different cultures and languages, but sports can eliminate the 'differences' and create connections," said Liu Zhengxi, an Egyptian student who has participated in the "Chinese Bridge" competition multiple times. He also expressed that the Universiade is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange.

The opening ceremony of the "Youth Blossoms - Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Activities of World University Athletes" is held at the new museum of Sichuan University on July 26. [Photo/ Xinhua]

At the event, the Sichuan University Museum, in collaboration with six other domestic university museums including Peking University's Secler Archaeological and Art Museum and Sun Yat-sen University Museum, extended a lifelong invitation to all participating athletes that they are welcome to visit their museums for free.