Thursday, October 17th was another exciting day for the Denver Young Ambassadors as they continued their journey of cultural exchange in Yunnan Province. Day 3 offered a mix of natural beauty, inspiring educational experiences, and deep cultural connections.
Tour of Erhai Lake
The day began with a serene and scenic boat tour of Erhai Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan Plateau. The Denver Young Ambassadors were captivated by the stunning views of the lake, surrounded by the majestic Cangshan Mountains. As they walked along the trail surrounding Erhai Lake, they couldn’t help but notice the many couples taking wedding photos and the vibrant community that gathered around the lake. What stood out most was the clear commitment to environmental care and preservation of this natural wonder.
Erhai Lake, spanning 246 square kilometers, is a vital part of Dali’s ecosystem, and the experience left a lasting impression on the Ambassadors, who appreciated the importance of protecting such a precious resource.
Visit to Dali University
Next, the group visited Dali University, an institution known for its rich history and diverse academic programs. With more than 22,000 full-time students, including 1,200 international students, Dali University offers a world-class education that fosters global connections.
The Denver Young Ambassadors explored the Biological Science Museum of Dali University, which showcases the unique biodiversity of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake area. The museum features nine exhibition galleries, including those focused on biological evolution, biodiversity in northwest Yunnan, and Erhai Lake’s aquatic resources. The museum houses over 2,000 high-quality specimens, handpicked from more than 40,000 collected over 30 years, sparking reflection on the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
In addition to science, the Ambassadors experienced the arts and culture classes at Dali University, touring a traditional wood carving class, a local music class, and seeing the beautiful traditional clothing of Yunnan’s ethnic groups. This immersion into local arts and culture allowed them to appreciate the region’s rich artistic heritage.
Entertainment and Speeches at Dali University
The Denver Young Ambassadors took the stage at Dali University’s auditorium, where they participated in a series of speeches and performances. One of the Ambassadors, Johnny, gave an inspiring speech about agriculture and sustainability, highlighting his passion for the environment. The Executive Director of Denver Sister Cities also spoke, sharing insights about Denver’s role as a sister city and the importance of these cultural exchanges.
In a special moment, the Denver Young Ambassadors showcased their Mexican-American culture with a performance that captivated the audience. It was a joyful time of shared talent and culture, with all the youth delegations presenting their unique backgrounds. The Denver delegation was also interviewed by local Dali media, further enhancing the cultural exchange.
Exploring Xizhou Ancient Town
After their time at Dali University, the Ambassadors headed to Xizhou Ancient Town, a historical town known for its well-preserved Bai architecture and rich folk culture. They visited the Jianghzhiji Folk Art Center and participated in the Jiama Print Art Exhibition, learning about traditional jiama printmaking techniques and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
The hands-on experience of creating jiama prints gave the Ambassadors a deeper understanding of Yunnan’s artistic traditions and the significance of passing these techniques down to future generations.
An Inspiring Day of Learning and Connection
Day 3 of the Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week was a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the joy of shared experiences. The Denver Young Ambassadors were inspired by the beauty of Erhai Lake, the academic and artistic offerings at Dali University, and the rich heritage of Xizhou Ancient Town.
