Chongqing- On June 30, the “Laowai (foreigner) @Chongqing - Explore the Century-long Changes” activity was held in Chongqing. Fifteen foreigners working and living in Chongqing started a special experience exploring the century-old changes in this city and experiencing the happy life of Chongqing people.

Reviewing the history

The 15 foreigners first came to the Chongqing Hongyan Revolutionary Museum, where they visited the former residence of Rao Guomo, the former site of the Southern Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Site of the Eighth Route Army's Office in Chongqing City, and watched the "100 Years of Chongqing's Glorious History of the Communist Party of China" exhibition.

Foreigners visiting the "100 Years of Chongqing's Glorious History of the Communist Party of China" exhibition. (iChongqing/ Yang Shihan)

During the visit, foreigners knew about the glorious history of Chongqing during WWII and the great Hongyan spirit nurtured in this city. They also saw that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the people of Chongqing had achieved a century of great changes through hard and unremitting struggles.

“It is a great achievement that early communists had fought for their country in such difficult circumstances and made a history." Otabek, a young Uzbek, said that he has been in Chongqing for three years and has witnessed the progress the city has made, and now he was once again touched by learning more about the city's history.

"My feelings towards Chongqing are no longer 'like,' but 'love.'" Vitalii from Ukraine said in fluent Chinese, "I believe Chongqing will become better and better, and our life in Chongqing will be more and more comfortable."

Learning the technology

The group then took a site visit to Chongqing International Biological City in Mudong, Banan District, which is a key biopharmaceutical industry cluster and the primary carrier for development in the industry.

They visited the exhibition hall of Zhirui Biomedical Industrial Park and Baiya Co., Ltd. and listened to Chongqing International Biological City's construction process, and learned about its ace products, industrial layout, and future planning.

Foreigners visiting the exhibition hall of Zhirui Biomedical Industrial Park. (iChongqing/ Yang Shihan)

"It is amazing that such advanced medical technology as the new crown vaccine, HPV vaccine, and insulin are in Chongqing, right next to us." Mihwa Yeom, a Korean engaged in the medical industry, could not help but exclaim. Mihwa said that Chongqing International Biological City is technologically advanced, large in scale, and thriving in the field of biomedicine, showing the vitality and vigor of Banan enterprises and the first-class business environment of Banan District.

Experiencing intangible cultural heritage

Afterward, the foreigners went to Mudong River Street to enjoy the pleasant summer life of the people with the gentle river breeze.

In front of the former residence of Ding Xuesong, the foreigners learned about the life of Ding Xuesong, China's first female ambassador abroad, the story of her mission to the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Denmark, and her contribution to the education business in Mudong.

"There are very impressive people and advanced businesses in Banan. I walked along Mudong River Street and felt that the air is fresh, and the mountains and water make me feel very comfortable. I hope I can bring my parents here one day." said Vitalii.

The group also learned to sing the Mudong Folk Song, a national intangible cultural heritage. Several young people from Bangladesh also performed their local songs. In an atmosphere of joy, the “Laowai @Chongqing - Explore the Century-long Changes” journey in Banan came to a successful conclusion.

Otabek from Uzbekistan is learning the Mudong Folk Song. (iChongqing/ Yang Shihan)