Wednesday, October 16th, brought another incredible day of learning and cultural exchange for the Denver Young Ambassadors as they continued their journey through Yunnan Province. Kicking off with a scenic train ride from Kunming to Xiangyun County, the day included visits to historical schools, ancient towns, and the breathtaking region of Dali. It was a day filled with visits to historical sites, educational institutions, and moments of deeper cultural connection.
A Memorable Lunch with Fellow Exchange Participants
One of the highlights of the day was an amazing, authentic lunch shared with fellow exchange participants. Set in a beautiful and serene environment, the meal provided the perfect opportunity for the Denver Young Ambassadors to bond with their peers. Over delicious traditional dishes, they exchanged stories, discussed the learnings from the exchange and got to know everyone better.
Visit to The No. 2 Middle School of Xiangyun County
The day began with a visit to The No. 2 Middle School of Xiangyun County, a school with a rich history dating back to 1944. Covering 57,304 square meters and housing 1,079 students, the school is known for its focus on educational excellence.
The Denver Young Ambassadors were warmly welcomed by the students and staff, and they had the opportunity to learn about the school’s historical connection to the Flying Tigers, the famous group of American volunteer pilots who helped defend China during World War II. The young leaders from Denver exchanged views with teachers and students of Xiangyun No. 2 Middle School on study, life, interests and hobbies, and cultural characteristics.
Exploring Yunnanyi Old Town
Yunnanyi Old Town and Museum of WWII
Next, the group traveled to Yunnanyi Old Town, where they explored the Caravan Culture Museum and the Memorial Hall of Transportation History, both of which delve into the region's historical significance as a key point in trade and transport routes. The Museum of WWII featured the story of the Flying Tigers, giving the Young Ambassadors a deeper understanding of the vital role these American pilots played in Yunnan during the war. At the Memorial Hall of Transportation History of the India-Burma Theater in World War II, photos of American soldiers, a sand table model of the Hump Route, and items used by the Flying Tigers clearly present the cultural history of the Flying Tigers and the "Hump Route", allowing everyone to have a more comprehensive understanding of the Flying Tigers and to more deeply appreciate the deep friendship that once existed between the Chinese and American peoples.
This visit offered a fascinating glimpse into how history and culture are preserved, and the Denver Young Ambassadors were able to appreciate the shared history between the U.S. and China in this region. After visiting Xiangyun County, the group headed to Dali. Known as the "City of Literature" and "an ancient city at the crossroads of Asian civilizations," Dali boasts a unique blend of natural landscapes with its picturesque Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.
Formal Dinner with the Foreign Affairs Office of Dali
The evening concluded with a formal dinner hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of Dali, where the Denver delegation was joined by key local officials, including Yang Xibin, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Dali Prefecture, and Hou Meng, Deputy Director of the Yunnan People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries. The group enjoyed traditional cuisine at a large round table, fostering a sense of community and deepening the bonds between the delegation and their Chinese hosts.
Dinner with the Foreign Affairs Office of Dali
The dinner served as a platform for discussions about education and the environment, and the establishment of lasting connections that will carry forward the values of friendship not only between sister cities Denver and Kunming, but friendship with Yunnan Province as a whole and the special city of Dali.
