By Chen Miaolin Photo Jin Yingying Zhu Jingning
From Apr 19 to 23, 14 international youth from countries including the UK, France, Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia and the US took part in a trip to Hangzhou, organized by Hangzhou International Communication Center and Nouvelles d’Europe. This voyage unfolded under the theme “A Trip in Hangzhou, A Sonnet of 14 Young Int’l Explorers” blending poetry with perspective in a celebration of cultural exchange.
Natural wonders: where lakes whisper and wetlands breathe
The journey began at the UNESCO-listed West Lake, where participants traced the footsteps of poets through mist-shrouded pagodas and willow-lined shores. At the West Lake Museum, 3D exhibits showcased how the lake’s “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” has inspired centuries of art.
French influencer Pol Enault captured its quiet poetry: hanfu enthusiasts twirling beneath willow-lined shores, newlyweds in crimson gowns posed against misty waters, and lone boats drifting at golden hour. No filters -- just timeless beauty.
The next day, Xixi National Wetland Park offered a symphony of biodiversity--a sprawling oasis where waterways weave through lush greenery. A serene rowboat ride through narrow canals highlighted the park’s delicate balance between conservation and urban integration. “In Europe, parks are meticulously designed,” remarked Vakare Matuleviciute, a Lithuanian student. “Here, nature feels wild yet harmonious with the city.”
Cultural warmth: friendship across continents
At Wen’er Market, a retro-chic market dubbed “Hangzhou’s hippest kitchen”, participants bartered for fresh vegetables, picked out secret spices, and marveled at live seafood tanks. Later, they teamed up with Chef Ma, a master of Hangzhou cuisine, to prepare classics such as Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp, and other local favorites. “Chopping veggies together broke the ice,” laughed Nick Gerlach, a German student. “We bonded over laughter and a shared love of food.”
A highlight emerged during a lakeside dinner when the group surprised Leo Nasskau, a UK social entrepreneur, with a birthday cake. “It’s gonna be a birthday that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I haven’t spent many birthdays abroad, and the experience of traveling halfway across the world to spend time with strangers--friends now--is a fantastic memory,” Leo reflected.
Tech frontiers: from Alibaba to AR horizons
Hangzhou’s Silicon Valley spirit shone at Alibaba Group, where participants explored AI-driven logistics systems and debated the future of global e-commerce. Eliot Anthony, a UK business developer, noted, “Seeing their vision for ‘inclusive tech’ reshaped my view of innovation’s role in society.” Participants also donned AR glasses to experience how technology augments reality, while live-stream commerce giant “Jiaoge Pengyou” (Be Friends Holding) demonstrated how influencers sell products in real time.
Cultural crossroads and creative sparks
The journey was also marked by intellectual exchanges, including two significant dialogues: “A Tale of Two Cities” and “World Youth Dialogue: The Playbook for Planet Players.”
“A Tale of Two Cities” gathered youthful viewpoints from Hangzhou and its sister city Leeds. Set against a backdrop that mirrored Hangzhou’s unique fusion of tradition and modernity, the young participants engaged in dynamic discussions on how different cultural perspectives could collide and spark innovative ideas.
The “World Youth Dialogue: The Playbook for Planet Players” delved into themes such as biodiversity, youth innovation and entrepreneurship, international philanthropy, and cross-cultural communication. It emphasized the importance of youth collaboration in addressing global challenges and shaping a shared future.
As the curtains fell on their journey, the youth departed Hangzhou with hearts brimming with memories and minds ignited with fresh perspectives. The sonnet woven through their experiences remained unfinished--a prelude to countless narratives they would go on to craft, inspired by the rhythm of Hangzhou’s heartbeat and the cadence of cross-cultural exchange.