Young hosts embark on cultural expeditions and digital journeys through the Belt and Road Initiative, uniting ASEAN and China in a vibrant celebration of a decade of growth, commerce, and shared experiences.
The Guilin team is savoring local Guangxi food, which includes a cake resembling the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
This year, a significant milestone is being celebrated: the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) China strategic partnership and the founding of the China-ASEAN Expo. These anniversaries mark China's remarkable international collaboration and growth.
As a part of the fifth ASEAN China Media Week, scheduled from Oct 21 to 27, the third season of the ASEAN China Youth Hosts Camp is in full swing. This unique initiative has gathered a vibrant group of young "hosts", or social media influencers; all of whom possess a deep understanding of both Chinese and ASEAN cultures. Their mission, from a global and youthful perspective, is to explore, witness, and promote the development and opportunities arising from the BRI.
The journeys of the hosts took them through four captivating field-trip routes: the enchanting landscapes of Guilin in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the bustling metropolis of Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong province, the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and the historical allure of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
What unfolds during these journeys is reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road's original purpose — a space for cultural exchange and mutual discovery. This modern-day caravan of young hosts from China and ASEAN countries is forging connections just like those of traders of ancient times.
Elizabeth Garcia Arce from the Philippines was part of the team that explored Guilin. She is a student at Guangxi Arts University and had the opportunity to visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a famous local sight that inspired a cake resembling the hill's distinctive shape. Arce marveled, "A miniature version of the hill, you can say that it's a work of art!"
In this age of social media, even culinary creations have become sensations. Many people now share pictures of these edible souvenirs. What used to be limited to mere sightseeing and photo-taking has evolved into an immersive experience, offering travelers a unique way to enjoy their journeys while promoting these destinations effectively.
The Guilin team also ventured to Yongfu county, a place steeped in tradition, and home to caidiao, a traditional tune and intangible cultural heritage of Guangxi.
Arce found this part of her field trip most captivating. "This is my first time trying on Chinese opera's costumes. This type of immersive experience really helps me learn more about the local culture and arts," she said.
The Hanoi team is riding on Vietnam's first light rail metro system. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Caidiao originated from rural songs and dances, celebrating joys, love stories, and daily lives of the people. To preserve and promote this traditional art form, the villagers have embarked on live-streaming shows, a creative way to reach modern audiences.
"It was very interesting to be a part of their live-streaming," Arce said. "I think it's really effective to promote and preserve intangible cultural heritage on such platforms."
For the Guangzhou team, live-streaming was also a part of their field trip. Nan May Thet Khaing from Myanmar and her companions visited Guangzhou University, sharing their experience in real-time. Nan, now studying at China Three Gorges University in Central China's Hubei province, highlighted the educational value of live-streaming. "It's a powerful learning tool. People can visit Guangzhou virtually through our lens and we can also interact with them online which, in turn, strengthens our knowledge and understanding of the city."
Her fascination with architecture found fulfillment during the trip. She marveled at the engineering feats of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the distinctive design of the Guangzhou Tower. As a hub of economic development and international trade, Guangzhou has a rich history, serving as the starting point for the Maritime Silk Road.
"The Maritime Silk Road was an important channel for ancient Chinese foreign trade, connecting economic cooperation between China and countries along the route," Nan said after her visit to the Guangzhou Maritime Museum. "The Maritime Silk Road is also a path for cultural exchange, providing a platform for mutual learning and integration of different countries, from past to present."
In fact, it was also thanks to the Maritime Silk Road that tea was first brought from China to Malaysia. Yise Loo, a talented Malaysian singer-songwriter and show host, recalled her first taste of Chinese tea at her grandmother's home. The fond memories of family gatherings over afternoon tea and snacks still warm her heart.
It was during her field trip to Guilin that Loo was introduced to Lubao Tea, a specialty of Guangxi.
"With the first sip, I could taste the faint betel nut. It gets better and better with each cup," she said, highlighting the unique and delightful flavors of Lubao Tea.
The Guilin team is trying on costumes and performing caidiao, a traditional opera art from Guangxi. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
According to Loo, Lubao Tea has gained significant popularity in Malaysia, where it's often enjoyed with chrysanthemum.
"I also noticed that drinking tea has become more and more popular among Gen Zers in Malaysia," she said. "Young people were embracing the concept of slowing down, paying more attention to their physical and mental well-being."
Meanwhile, this appreciation for tea has inspired Loo to write a song about tea. "It's going to be a song of healing," she noted. "I think drinking tea is like meditation. Step by step, you slowly brew the tea and savors it."
The Hanoi field trip team explored the rich tapestry of collaboration and influence from China, both in the past and the present. The team embarked on a city walk using Vietnam's first light rail metro system which was demonstrative of just one significant project that derived from China's BRI and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle plan.
Hoang Quoc Trung, an anchor from Hanoi TV, expressed his sheer delight at the efficiency of the light rail. "With the light rail, I can get to my destination faster than ever. There's also less pollution and zero traffic," he said.
Along the light rail route stood the Vietnamese Confucian Temple, a testament to the enduring influence of China's Confucian teachings during the feudal period in Vietnam. "Confucius' ideology had a profound impact on Vietnam's education, politics, morality, and social values," Hoang said. "Vietnamese Confucian temples reflect the historical emphasis on education as a means of cultivating talents to strengthen the nation."
The enduring connection between China and Vietnam has been manifested in various fields, including cross-border e-commerce. During the field trip in Hanoi, the team explored the bustling Dong Xuan Market, where people can easily buy Chinese snacks and electronics.
Thanks to the BRI, numerous brands, logistics enterprises, and factories from China have invested in Vietnam. "These investment projects are more than beneficial," Hoang said. "They've brought countless job opportunities for Vietnamese people and boasted economic development."
Like Nan and Arce, Hoang and his fieldtrip mates also did live-streaming, and one of them was a promotional video for the Liuzhou luosifen (river snail rice noodles), a dish in Guangxi that's famous for its stinky smell. The team gave detailed descriptions of the delectable hot and sour rice noodle as they savored it, predicting its potential popularity among the Vietnamese if the spiciness was adjusted to local preferences.
Hoang also recognizes the advantages of e-commerce live-streaming.
"It's an emerging sales method that enables us to build connections with our audiences," he said. "By applying our knowledge and skills on these platforms, we can enhance our competitiveness in the job market. Exploring new trends like this also aids us in gaining a better understanding of our audience's needs."
