[Review] CCF Chongqing Exchange Journey “Chongqing: Past and Present Through the War of Resistance”: Traversing History and Modernity, Experiencing the Spirit of the Mountain City
Our 5-day Chongqing exchange journey (April 6-10) has successfully concluded! Our group of 41 participants from the Strive and Rise Programme and its alumni association explored everything from school exchanges to visits to top-secret nuclear engineering projects, from historical sites to intangible cultural heritage. This journey allowed the participants to gain a multi-dimensional understanding of Chongqing, the “Heroic City,” and the history of the War of Resistance against Japan.
The first highlight of the exchange trip:The first chapter of friendship:
Visiting one of Chongqing’s four top secondary schools, “Chongqing No. 1 Secondary School,” the participants not only toured the school museum but also played ball games with local students during recess and created ink paintings together. Through exchanging souvenirs and contact information, friendships blossomed between the young people from both regions through this in-depth exchange!
The second highlight of the exchange trip: Exploring Industry and Career
• Official Exchange: Students had the privilege of being personally received by a representative from the Chongqing Liaison Unit of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, learning about Chongqing’s economic, trade, and academic trends.
• Site Visit: A visit to Chairman Lee Man Chun’s paper factory, witnessing automated production lines and a massive private dock, experiencing the professional and rigorous entrepreneurial spirit.
The third highlight of the exchange trip: Heart-stirring historical imprints
• Underground Wonders: Delve into the top-secret “816 Nuclear Military Plant” and be deeply impressed by China’s national defense capabilities.
• Historical Reflection: Experience the spirit of “the more bombs, the stronger” at the Site of the Chongqing Bombing Massacre; review Chongqing culture and the history of the War of Resistance against Japan at the Three Gorges Museum.
• Cultural Treasures: Appreciate the ancient craftsmanship of Dazu Rock Carvings and experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage by watching Sichuan Opera face-changing performance.
The third highlight of the exchange trip: Urban Revitalization and Lessons Learned
• A visit to Minzhu Village Community Renovation showcased how an old factory residential area was revitalized through a “preservation, renovation, demolition, and expansion” strategy. This experience in urban renewal provided students with new inspiration for revitalizing old districts in Hong Kong. “This was not just a sightseeing trip, but a dialogue between history and the future. From the sorrowful war relics to the thriving industrial development, we deeply appreciated the preciousness of peace and the importance of a strong nation.”
CCF thanks the “Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland” for sponsoring this exchange journey program.
