Recently, more than 20 international young people from over ten universities across Zhejiang Province gathered in Taizhou for a two-day ‘Journey to the Origins of Hehe Culture’ (和合文化 —— Hehe culture is an ancient Chinese philosophy centered on harmony and cooperation). As the first group of ‘Youth Ambassadors for Hehe Culture’, they came from different countries and cultural backgrounds, yet together discovered the contemporary significance of the Chinese philosophy of Hehe—harmony and unity—amid Taizhou's picturesque landscapes. Among them was Abu (ABUBAKER ELSIDDIG AHMED ELMUSTAFA ELSHEIKH HAYATY), a Sudanese PhD student in Journalism and Communication from the 2023 cohort of Zhejiang University's New Sinology Program. As one of the first Youth Ambassadors for Hehe Culture, he gained first-hand insight into China's rich cultural traditions while gathering inspiration for sharing China's stories with international audiences from a cross-cultural perspective. Mr. Lu Zhengzhong from the International College also attended the event.

Throughout the program, participants explored the historical origins and contemporary significance of Hehe culture through site visits and immersive activities. Their itinerary included Guqing Temple, the Hehe Human Culture Park, the Great Waterfall at Mount Tiantai, and the Blue Cycle Global Operations Centre. Together, these experiences offered a deeper appreciation of the values of harmony, cooperation and coexistence that lie at the heart of the Hehe philosophy and continue to inspire contemporary Chinese society.

As one of the first ‘Youth Ambassadors for Hehe Culture’, Abu visited cultural landmarks including the Hehe Culture Exhibition Hall, Guqing Temple and the Hehe Human Culture Park, gaining first-hand insight into the legacy of Hanshan and Shide and the philosophical ideals of ‘harmony amidst diversity’ and ‘harmonious coexistence’. At the Blue Cycle Global Operations Centre, carrying the thematic banner for the ‘Journey to the Origins of Harmony and Unity Culture’, he joined young people from various countries and regions to explore China’s achievements in green development and international communication. The experience further enriched his appreciation of Harmony and Unity Culture, while highlighting the innovative transformation and enduring vitality of China’s fine traditional culture in the modern era.

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