Exchange program gives Hong Kong teenagers a sense of Shanghai life

Middle school students from Hong Kong wrapped up their six-day exchange journey in Shanghai on Wednesday, fueled by a well-rounded understanding of Shanghai's life, culture, history and technology development.

A total of 496 Hong Kong teenagers from 17 middle schools were split into six groups.

Beginning Friday, each group attended activities themed with Shanghai culture, innovation, history, technology, manufacturing and city planning.

"We hope to enhance the communication between Shanghai and Hong Kong students through the program, and Hong Kong teenagers can learn more about this metropolis and the rapid development of the country that it demonstrates," said Yao Cho-fai, chairman of Hong Kong-Shanghai Economic Development Association, one of the organizers of the program launched in 2018.

"Students will benefit a lot from the experience, which may lay a sound foundation for their future development across the nation," Yao said.

During their stay in Shanghai, some Hong Kong teenagers visited local families, tasted local cuisine and joined Shanghai middle school students in classes.

Activities also included graffiti creation, drawing and archery.

Students also visited science and technology enterprises and innovation parks in Shanghai and learned about Chinese traditional culture and art forms such as calligraphy, shadow play and pottery.

"It's impressive that Shanghai is such an inclusive and open city with a proper mix of modern and traditional culture, as there are many well-preserved historic sites along with skyscrapers," said Sun Yuen-ki, a Form 4 student from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals S. C. Gaw Memorial College.

"While walking along the street, we saw how clean the city is, which shows the effort that the city puts into greening and environmental protection," said Sun, who was visiting Shanghai for the first time. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to come here."

Wong Chuek-fung, a Form 5 student from Chinese YMCA Secondary School, said the visit to a manufacturing factory where guqin - one of China's oldest plucked string instruments, also known as a seven-stringed lyre - are made was one of his favorites. He said the trip allowed him to learn about this instrument and he was happy to be included.

"I love playing piano in Hong Kong and now I am also interested in this traditional Chinese instrument," he said. "I am amazed by the refined and delicate sound it gives off."

Students from Shanghai and Hong Kong also created graffiti on star-shaped artwork made from fiber-reinforced plastic during the program.

"This part is designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in October this year, as stars are featured on the national flags of the country," said Mak Takchuen, vice-president of the Hong Kong-Shanghai Economic Development Association.

"It also represents students who are the 'future stars' that can contribute to the country's development," added Mak, who is also the chief leader of all the students.

Mak said some artwork will be in Shanghai and may be shown to the public at exhibitions during the celebration of the National Day in October.

Shanghai and Hong Kong students will keep the rest, "representing the close relationship between the young generations in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland".

"Many Hong Kong students exchanged their contact number with local ones. We are glad to see that they have become friends already," Mak said.

According to Yao, programs may be launched next year to welcome Shanghai students to visit Hong Kong.

caochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Global 07/11/2019 page4)