The Athletes' Village for the Chengdu World Games is hosting vibrant cultural events featuring intangible cultural heritage learning activities and a cultural bazaar, allowing foreign athletes to immerse themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese culture firsthand.
At the interactive experience center of the village, many foreign athletes engaged with China's intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship by participating in activities such as bracelet-making.
"I really like to do these things, like this bracelet, because this is simple for me. These are memories of our adventure in Chengdu," said Giorgia, an Italian athlete.
"We've selected the rope weaving technique from the Xinjin District, with which we can make a knot symbolizing safety and wish fulfillment. Our paper-cutting activity features the two World Games mascots, Shubao and Jinzai. The traditional culture section is designed with classical Chinese painting aesthetics, incorporating verses of exemplary traditional poetry displayed in calligraphy brushwork," said Gai Yang, a staff member of the cultural event at the Athletes' Village.
In addition to making bracelets, foreign athletes can also try their hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting.
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experience zone offers athletes the opportunity to explore local herbal medicines, create their own herbal sachets, practice traditional Chinese exercises such as Baduanjin, a traditional breathing and stretching exercise, and the ancient Chinese martial art Tai Chi, and undergo TCM diagnostics such as pulse-taking, as well as experience therapies like bone-setting massage.
As night falls, the village remains vibrant with energy as athletes from around the world gather in circles, dancing to lively music in the square.
The village's bustling cultural bazaar also attracts crowds of athletes who browse handmade souvenirs to take home.
"Yeah, it's nice. (There are) lots of handmade goods from local Chinese artists. And I like the smelly incense. So yeah, it's nice. It's just nice to see new things. I think Chinese culture is very special. I've come to China many times. I love to come to China and see something new," said Michael Georgiou, a Cypriot athlete.
"We've invited 10 intangible cultural heritage artisans from Chengdu to the events in the village to demonstrate their craftsmanship, providing athletes with a chance for profound understanding of Chinese culture and Eastern aesthetics," said Zhou Xuejiao, manager of the cultural bazaar.
The 12th edition of the World Games is being held from August 7 to 17 in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in southwest China.
Dubbed the "Chengdu Home," the Athletes' Village offers services to around 7,000 participants from around the world from August 3 to 18.
World Games venue operates events to promote Chinese culture among athletes
