Go exchange activity held in Chengdu to boost understanding and friendship

Participants from China, Republic of Korea, and Japan play Go at an exchange activity held at the Temple of Marquis in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

An international friendly exchange activity revolving around Go, or weiqi in Chinese, was held at the Temple of Marquis in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, from Aug 21 to 22.

Some 40 members of congresses from the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), gathered in Chengdu to exchange skills on Go with each other, as well as to boost understanding and friendship.

The activity was developed from the annual Go exchange activity held by the CPPCC National Committee and the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea since 2013. Last year, it was enlarged into a friendly exchange activity among China, Republic of Korea, and Japan, with the first edition held in Seoul.

During this year's activity, the participants not only conducted exchanges on Go, but also visited several landmarks in Chengdu, such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Beihu Ecological Park, Daci Temple, and Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, to experience the livable environment and unique culture in Chengdu.

Participants of the Go exchange activity visit Beihu Ecological Park in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China’s Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"The activity is very well organized and the experience in Chengdu has given me a very deep impression," said Takuji Yanagimoto, former member of the House of Councilors of Japan, adding that he felt a little pressure as the activity will be held in Japan next year.

Yanagimoto said that he is very pleased that the activity is being held at the Temple of Marquis, a famous landmark of the Three Kingdoms Culture, as the stories of the Three Kingdoms is widely popular among Japanese people. In addition, he was glad to visit Daci Temple, which was an important place of cultural exchange between China and Japan in ancient times.

"As a carrier of traditional Chinese culture, Go is the pride of Asian people," he said, noting that 77 countries and regions have joined the International Go Federation.

Yanagimoto said he believes that the exchange of Go culture can promote world peace, as well as deepen exchanges and friendship among countries and regions. He noted that he hopes that the activity will be held consistently from year to year.

Participants of the Go exchange activity visit Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, a commercial complex in downtown Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"It is the first time that I have come to Chengdu, but I am no stranger to the city," said Lee Jong-Koo, member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, adding that he is interested in Three Kingdoms Culture and knows about Chengdu's atmosphere for Go.

He said what really matters are not the result of the matches, but the friendship that are gained from the activity and the closer relationship among the three countries.

Oh Jae-Sae, another member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, said he was very glad to see the pandas, and was impressed by the ecological protection in Chengdu.

"Chengdu is developing at very fast speed," he said, adding that he expects more companies in the Republic of Korea to invest and develop in Chengdu and that more direct flights will be opened between Republic of Korea cities and Chengdu.

"Chengdu is a place that once you come, you'll never want to leave," said Du Ying, a CPPCC member, adding that the city not only has a livable environment, but is also a central city in Western China with great development potential.

He said that he looks forward to seeing more international cultural exchanges activities, as well as economic and trade activities held in Chengdu.