The ongoing Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) Shanghai stop has attracted throngs of spectators while boosting the sales of Olympic-themed souvenirs and local delicacies.
The OQS for BMX freestyle, skateboarding, breaking and sport climbing are being held in an urban park at the Huangpu Riverside from Thursday to Sunday, with hundreds of athletes from around the globe battling out for a place in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
The official merchandise store is bustling with visitors, as the stylishly designed Olympic-themed souvenirs are popular among the younger crowds.
Limited edition items, such as badges, hats, and skateboards, attract buyers by blending Olympic themes and urban street sports elements.
"The design is very trendy and quite different from other Olympic [merchandise] designs, so I found it particularly interesting. I love collecting these souvenirs," said a young visitor.
At the refreshment area of the venue, visitors can enjoy not only fast food, but local delicacies. Many traditional Chinese food brands, including the renowned Yuyuan Nanxiang Steamed Bun from Shanghai, are offering their signature Xiaolongbao and crab dumplings.
Stamp collectors also have a chance to buy special edition of stamp albums and first day covers of the OQS at the themed post office at the venue. Visitors can even make tailored postcards to cherish the moment.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.
Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai attracts spectators, boosts sales of souvenirs
Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai attracts spectators, boosts sales of souvenirs
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
