International Youth Tour in Ninghe: Experiencing the Spirit of Chinese Sports

Video by: Qiang Yufei, Cheng Aobing

On July 18, 22 international students from countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Morocco, and Burkina Faso formed a delegation of international youth ambassadors and visited Ninghe District, Tianjin. Through a sports training camp, they experienced the development of sports in China and gained a deeper understanding of the spirit of traditional Chinese martial arts.

The international youth experience team poses for a group photo at the Civic Center Square in Ninghe District

Photo by Qiang Yufei

The international youth experience team practices Tai Chi under the guidance of a Chinese teacher

Photo by Qiang Yufei

Martial arts coach Liu Zhen guides international students as they practice traditional Chinese sword techniques

Photo by Qiang Yufei

At the Civic Center in Ninghe District, the international students first engaged in interactive exchanges with the local martial arts team. A martial arts coach demonstrated classic movements from Long Fist, such as the "Bow Stance Punch" and "Stance Strike," and offered personalized guidance to help the students better understand the essence of traditional Chinese martial arts. During the equipment experience session, the students tried wielding a traditional Chinese broadsword and experienced the powerful spirit behind moves like “Splitting Mountain Hua.” Later, they also participated in a rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the "Village Super League", performing the choral piece Blue Lotus in a melodious tune.

The international youth experience team poses for a group photo with martial arts coaches and performers from the "Village Super League" opening ceremony

Photo by Qiang Yufei

Li Li, an international student from Madagascar, said, “This is my first time visiting Ninghe. I experienced Chinese Tai Chi, and the martial arts teacher taught us a full routine. I found traditional Chinese martial arts incredibly interesting. I took a lot of photos and videos, and I want to show my friends back home how amazing Chinese martial arts are. I love Tianjin, and I love Ninghe.”

Chinese coaches explain the basic roller skating techniques to the international youth

Photo by Li Wancheng

International students practice roller skating at a professional venue

Photo by Li Wancheng

At the Double Olympic Sports Center, the students donned professional roller skating gear and learned basic gliding techniques under the guidance of coaches. Many first-timers cautiously held onto the railings at first but gradually let go as they found their balance. The coaches performed freestyle routines on the competition field, showcasing fluid and technically challenging moves that greatly impressed the students. They cheered and applauded the coaches and young skaters while capturing these unforgettable moments with their phones.

The roller skating coach leads young skaters in a training drill

Photo by Liu Ying

The international youth experience team watches the roller skating performance and captures highlights with their phones

Photo by Liu Ying

Xiao Jiang, an international student from Morocco, said, “This is my first time in Ninghe. I just experienced Chinese martial arts and practiced sword techniques with the coach. His movements were powerful and fascinating. Although I didn't perform well, I really want to keep learning. I love traditional Chinese culture—that’s why I came to China. Everything here is new to me; it has broadened my horizons and become an unforgettable part of my life. I love China!”

Although brief, the event allowed the international youth experience officers to gain firsthand insight into the rapid development of China's sports industry and the profound spirit of Chinese athletics. It deepened their appreciation of China’s cultural and historical heritage and fostered mutual understanding and exchange in sports culture among young people from different countries. Looking ahead, Ninghe District in Tianjin will continue to innovate its event formats and develop distinctive cultural and sports exchange programs to attract more people to visit, learn about, and fall in love with Ninghe—making every cultural encounter a brilliant window into Ninghe's image and stories.

(Text: Liu Haoran, Cheng Aobing)