Chengdu's personal touch wins hearts and minds

Senegalese sports journalist Diacounda Sene says she developed a special affinity with Chengdu during her time in the southwestern city covering the FISU World University Games.

Sene, who works for The International Sports Press Association (AIPS), attributed this connection to a heartfelt handwritten letter she received upon her arrival in the host city.

"When I arrived at the hotel, I received a welcome backpack, and inside it was a letter. It was a welcome letter, but it was handwritten," Sene recalled, expressing her surprise that such a gesture would happen in technologically advanced China.

The bilingual letter was written by Ye Zihan, a sophomore at Chengdu's Shishi High School. It read: "If you are unfamiliar with Chengdu, I suggest you make your first stop at the Jinsha Site Museum. There, you'll see how the history of Chengdu connects with everyone in the world."

Sene said of the message: "In the letter, the student invites me to visit the places that seem very attractive. It inspired me to see what Chengdu is offering in terms of culture and way of life."

The journalist indeed followed the student's suggestion and visited the Jinsha Site Museum, where she immersed herself in various elements of traditional Chinese culture. These included the 3,000-year-old Sun and Immortal Birds gold foil, depicting people's aspirations to reach the sun and symbolizing light, strength and hope.

"The biggest shining point of Chengdu, I believe, is its inclusiveness and the imagination of its people," 17-year-old letter writer Ye told Xinhua.

Ye added that these cultural highlights have been passed down and preserved, showcasing the creativity of modern Chengdu residents. He also recommended that guests should experience the local lifestyle.

"Wandering along the ancient stone streets shaded by swaying bamboo and observing passers-by in the alleys, your unfamiliarity with Chengdu will be replaced by a sense of calm serenity," he wrote.

"The city is truly beautiful, and the people are incredibly friendly. The traditional food here is distinct, and the traditional way of serving tea is truly spectacular," Sene enthused. "I've had the opportunity to explore various aspects of Chinese culture in Chengdu."

For Ye, a native of Chengdu, writing the letter was imbued with a deep significance. "The Chengdu World University Games offer a window into China and Chengdu. I'm delighted to play a role in this by sending a welcome message to the world in my own way," he said.

Ye had never produced a handwritten letter before, and he had no clue who would read it or if his message would be well-received.

Sene valued the letter so much that she reached out to the teenager. "When she contacted me, I realized the connection was genuine, and it brought me so much happiness," Ye said.

"With advancements in technology and communication, people rarely write letters anymore. Instead, we rely on emails and texts. So, writing a letter to an unknown person is quite extraordinary, akin to sharing a special sentiment that connects people," he added.

Sene felt fortunate to establish this personal connection and deeply appreciated that the teenager was contributing to the games, which ultimately became a celebration for everyone in Chengdu.

"This is precisely why hosting global events is important. They bring people from around the world together. The lesson we've learned from the pandemic is that we depend on one another, and we must interact," Sene said.

"This is particularly crucial for the younger generations to understand — that unity makes us stronger."

Around 3,000 handwritten letters were given to reporters covering the Chengdu games, according to Ma Xueqi, the organizer of the letter-writing project.

"It's the most heartwarming gift I've received at the games," said Peng Peng, a reporter who shared a handwritten letter on social media.

"Experience the splendor of the World University Games and savor the allure of Chengdu. I hope you depart with wonderful memories," Ye concluded in his letter.

Sene vowed to share her experiences of Chengdu upon her return to Senegal.

She also extended an invitation to Chinese people, including Ye, to visit her hometown. "You won't see pandas, but you might encounter lions or elephants," she said.

Xinhua