A total of 107 secondary school students and teachers from 17 countries across five continents explored Shanghai through a city orienteering activity on July 20 as part of the 20th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp.

The participants visited Shanghai Book City, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and Yuyuan Garden before taking an evening cruise along the Huangpu River, offering them a firsthand experience of the city's history, architecture, and urban life.

For 16-year-old Heitor Barros from Brazil, the journey to Shanghai involved two flights of about 11 hours each. He said the trip had been long but well worth it.

Barros was particularly impressed by China's commitment to preserving its traditional architecture.

During the camp, he also visited museums and tried his hand at making a silk fan, experiences that deepened his appreciation of traditional Chinese culture. He said the museum visits were especially memorable.

The Huangpu River cruise offered campers another perspective on the city. Kyelem Sonia Sena from Burkina Faso raised her phone to capture Shanghai's illuminated skyline. She said she was struck by the city's soaring skyscrapers and dazzling nightscape, adding that she hopes to return to Shanghai one day.

Source: Xinmin Evening News