Tuesday, October 15th marked an exciting first day for the Denver Young Ambassadors in Kunming, China, as they embarked on their journey of cultural exchange at the 2024 Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week organized by Yunnan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Yunnan Friendship Foundation for NGO Network for International Exchanges. The day was filled with activities designed to foster mutual understanding, showcase international cooperation, and celebrate the deep ties between Yunnan Province and its sister cities.
Opening Ceremony at Yunnan Literature and Art Museum
Opening Ceremony at the Yunnan Literature and Art Museum
The day kicked off with the grand Opening Ceremony for the “Yunnan Hand in Hand Program” at the Yunnan Literature and Art Museum. The event, which brought together youth from various countries, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the role of young leaders as future ambassadors of friendship. The ceremony featured notable speeches, including remarks from the Lao Consul General, who praised the strong relationship between Laos and China, particularly Yunnan Province. Aiden Cronin, a student representative, encouraged fellow participants to embrace the value of open-minded cultural exchanges.
The event concluded with a flag awarding ceremony and a group photo, followed by a tour of the Photo Exhibition on Yunnan International Friendship Cities—a visual celebration of global connections and friendships, including the special bond between Denver and Kunming.
Display of Denver at Yunnan Literature and Art Museuma
Celebrating Denver’s Connection to Yunnan
The Denver Young Ambassadors had the unique opportunity to see a display dedicated to the 38-year friendship between Denver and Kunming at the Yunnan Literature and Art Museum. This display highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two cities.
Shared Connections Between Sister Cities
There's also a shared connection between Kunming, China with Takayama, Japan, which is Denver's second sister city. The Denver delegation also met with the Youth Ambassador delegation from Takayama, building further connections between the sister cities.
Gathering for Lunch in Guandu Ancient Town
Traditional Lunch in Guandu Ancient Town
The group enjoyed a traditional lunch in Guandu Ancient Town, a cultural and historical gem in Kunming’s southeast suburb. The Young Ambassadors sampled a variety of local dishes, including dumplings and other traditional Kunming foods, giving them a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Denver Young Ambassadors Visiting the Stone Forest in China's Yunnan Province
Guided Visit of Stone Forest Geopark
The afternoon took the Young Ambassadors on a guided tour of the Stone Forest Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its incredible limestone formations that resemble a forest of stone. The group marveled at this natural wonder. More than the charming karst landforms, the Shilin region is also home to Yi people and several other ethnic minority groups.
Kunming gave Denver limestone rocks from the Stone Forest / Denver gave Kunming a rock from Red Rocks
There's a symbolic connection to City of Kunming Park in Denver, where stones from the Stone Forest are displayed as a gift from Kunming. In return, a Red Rock from Red Rocks Park in Colorado is showcased in Kunming City, representing the deep sister city relationship between the two cities.
Immersing in Yi Culture and Dance
A true cultural highlight of the day was the chance to participate in traditional dances with the Yi People of Yunnan. The Young Ambassadors joined students from around the world in learning dances such as the Dasanxian Dance and the Cigarette Box Dance, experiencing the vibrant and expressive traditions of the Yi people. A firsthand experience into the richness of Yi culture, which is deeply rooted in music, dance, and colorful festivals like the Torch Festival.
Sharing Experiences with Students from Kunming Foreign Language School
Visit to Kunming Foreign Language School
The evening concluded with a visit to the Kunming Foreign Language School, where the Denver Young Ambassadors participated in an engaging student exchange. Together, they created artwork symbolizing dragons, learning about the significance of the dragon in Chinese culture. Dinner was shared with local students, offering further opportunities for cultural exchange and deepening relationships.
The bonds formed on this first day set the foundation for a meaningful week of learning and cultural exchange in Kunming, strengthening the connection between Denver and its sister city. Stay tuned for more updates as the Denver Young Ambassadors continue their journey through the Yunnan International Sister Provinces/Cities Youth Exchange Week!
