Translated with AI
On May 20, a cultural exchange event between youth and media communities from China and Central Asia took place in Chengcheng County, Weinan City, under the slogan "Shoulder to Shoulder, Eye to Eye—Getting to Know Each Other Together." Thirty international students from Central Asian countries visited the national intangible cultural heritage site—the ruins of the Yaotouyao pottery workshop—where, under the guidance of master keepers of the tradition, they tried their hand at pottery, working on a potter's wheel, molding pieces, and learned about the centuries-old history and art of Yaotouyao artisans. Meina, a student from Tajikistan, encountered traditional Chinese pottery for the first time and shared her impressions: "It was my first time mixing clay and making objects with it. It was very challenging, requiring a lot of patience and concentration. But this experience helped me see traditional Chinese culture in a new light."
During the event, students from Central Asian countries studying at Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology formed the "International Youth Dragon Dance Team" and performed a cultural performance. Through interactive activities, participants experienced the charm of traditional Chinese crafts and folk customs, and their collaborative work highlighted the energy and unity of youth from the Silk Road countries. A student from Tajikistan, Meilin, noted: "Even though we come from different countries, our shared cultural experiences bring our hearts closer together. I think that's the most valuable thing about cultural exchange." The "Shoulder to Shoulder, Eye to Eye – Get to Know Each Other Together" initiative, organized by the Shaanxi International Communication Center, aims to create a permanent platform for exchanges between Chinese and Central Asian youth, as well as strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between young people.
Yan Lin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Central Asian Studies, Shaanxi Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, said: "From a scientific perspective, I believe the 'Shoulder to Shoulder, Eye to Eye—Getting to Know Each Other Together' series of events is a successful media practice. It allowed Central Asian youth to experience the warmth of Chinese culture and the cultural depth of the Sanqin region's humanitarian heritage, and it also served as a bridge of trust between youth and the media. This will undoubtedly provide a powerful impetus for the rapprochement between the peoples of China and Central Asia."
