With the support of the publicity and cyberspace departments of Tianjin Binhai New Area, more than 20 foreign students from the International Education College, Tianjin University, visited Zhaishang street, Binhai New Area, on April 13, to take in the local scenery, watch intangible cultural heritage performances, taste local flavors and communicate with locals.

Through this visit, foreign students from Tianjin University gained insight and experienced the rapid changes of Tianjin Binhai New Area.

More than 20 foreign students from the International Education College, Tianjin University, visit Zhaishang street, Binhai New Area, on April 13.[Photo by Zhang Xueyan]

They first visited Dashentang Wharf, located at the easternmost part of Tianjin. On the wharf, a group of artists dressed in traditional costumes were rehearsing 'Fei Cha', a national intangible cultural heritage dance that has been passed down for over a century. The powerful and majestic dance attracted the attention of the students, who voluntarily learned the performance from the artists, such as playing the gong and drum.

More than 20 foreign students from the International Education College, Tianjin University, visit Zhaishang street, Binhai New Area, on April 13. [Photo by Zhang Xueyan]

The students then came to Dongfengli community, which features a community garden jointly built by the government, enterprises, and residents for leisure and entertainment. Around the leisure benches in the park, enthusiasts of traditional Chinese opera could be found playing a selected segment from local opera. With the melodious singing, young people from China and abroad planted the tree of friendship together, exchanged gifts, and made plans to meet again in the future.

More than 20 foreign students from the International Education College, Tianjin University, visit Zhaishang street, Binhai New Area, on April 13. [Photo by Zhang Xueyan]

The last stop of the trip was Tianjin SDIC Jinneng Power Generation Co., Ltd. (Beijiang Power Plant Bar) in Zhaishang, where they visited the desalination project currently being promoted by the enterprise, and gained insight into the concept of the circular economy and green development strategy advocated by Zhaishang street.

During a symposium titled "Building a Better Future Together" held that afternoon, the foreign students listened to the introduction of Zhaishang street's high-quality development and expressed their thoughts and outlook for the future.

More than 20 foreign students from the International Education College, Tianjin University, visit Zhaishang street, Binhai New Area, on April 13.[Photo by Zhang Xueyan]

Ashraf Haidari, a student from Afghanistan, said, "From this trip, I have realized the importance Zhaishang street attaches to technological development and gained a better understanding of the advanced technologies made in China." Nabil Mohammad Jawid, another student from Afghanistan, expressed his thought in fluent Chinese, "I was deeply impressed after visiting Beijiang Power Plant, and we will play the role of 'bridge' in international exchanges, bringing back what we have learned to our own country, and actively promoting industrial cooperation between the two countries for a better future."