More than 80 young people and delegation leaders from 16 countries gather in Xiamen for the Youth Development for a Shared Future Summer Camp 2026. [Photo provided to BBNJ Xiamen]

More than 80 young people and delegation leaders from 16 countries gathered in Xiamen last month for the Silk Road-Future Youth Exchange Event, a summer camp that featured a number of cultural and educational exchange activities.

Representatives said that the initiative aims to deepen young people's knowledge and understanding of the Silk Road and to provide a platform for learning and cultural exchange.

The weeklong program included participants from Armenia, Gambia, Ghana, Libya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand and Turkmenistan. Field visits included stops in Beijing, Quanzhou and Xiamen. The event's cultural activities and exchanges explored China's history, cultural heritage and modern development.

In Xiamen, participants visited the Xiamen Ocean Gate Container Terminal and the Maritime Silk Road Management Center. Participants learned about the city's role as an international shipping hub and observed its port operations. At the iFlytek exhibition hall, they explored the application of artificial intelligence in education, healthcare and daily life.

At Gulangyu's Piano Pier, participants join Chinese teenagers from the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Maritime Music Summer Camp in a performance. [Photo provided to BBNJ Xiamen]

The delegation also explored Zengcuoan and Gulangyu, where they experienced Xiamen's coastal charm and its distinctive blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. At Gulangyu's Piano Pier, participants joined Chinese teenagers from the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Maritime Music Summer Camp in a dance performance, using music as a bridge to foster friendship across cultures.

The exchanges left an impression on their participants. "I think this camp gave us a chance to know more about China and its traditions as well as those of other countries," said Saris Thampraphat, a participant from Thailand. He said he had made friends with young people from Mongolia, the Philippines and other countries, adding that he hoped those friendships would continue to grow in the years ahead.

At Gulangyu's Piano Pier, participants join Chinese teenagers from the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Maritime Music Summer Camp in a dance performance. [Photo provided to BBNJ Xiamen]

Guest speakers included Maya Gayypova, an official from Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elena Golubovic, a youth representative from Montenegro, and Sohna Bittaye, a representative from Gambia. All of the delegations said the Belt and Road Initiative embodies the spirit of the ancient Silk Road by strengthening infrastructure connectivity and promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The organizer encouraged young participants to build mutual understanding and friendship through continued international exchanges.

The program concluded at Xiamen University with an exchange session entitled The Silk Road in My Eyes.