Artists perform at a tourism site in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 14, 2023. The 31st FISU Summer World University Games is scheduled to take place in Chengdu from July 28 to August 8, 2023. Photo:Xinhua

 
From tasty hotpots and adorable giant pandas to intangible cultural heritage performances and an extravaganza combining the sporting spirit with local culture, the 31st FISU Summer World University Games is not only a grand sporting event but also a magnificent stage for cultural exchanges, showcasing a more inclusive and colorful Chinese culture while world civilizations meet. 

The Global Times learned from authorities in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, that in addition to special activities and thematic art exhibitions in the Games Village, local authorities have also organized a series of cultural and tourism activities in the city, including 12 major events and more than 2,000 special related activities.

The special cultural events at the Chengdu Universiade Park opened on Wednesday evening, and will last for 14 days until August 8. During this period, a variety of sporting, entertainment and cultural performances will be held every day, allowing athletes and tourists from around the world to immerse themselves in the youthful vitality of Chengdu. 

The lineup includes puppet shows featuring Rongbao, the panda mascot for the Games that had already gone viral even before the start of the event, and displays of Qingcheng Wushu, an important school of Chinese martial arts, Sichuan opera face-changing art, and the water sleeve dance, all of which embody the essence of traditional Chinese culture; as well as songs and dances that integrate modern sporting spirit and the region's Bashu customs, conveying the power of unity, perseverance, and progress.

Photo: Cui Meng/GT

In addition to shows and events, the world-renowned Sanxingdui Museum started trial operations of its new building on Thursday, with nearly 600 relics unearthed from the Sanxingdui Ruins displayed to the public for the first time.

More than 1,500 pieces or sets of relics, including pottery, bronze, jade and gold wares are on display in the new building. Among the highlights are a nearly 4-meter-high sacred bronze tree, golden masks, and bronze standing figurines, all dating back around 3,000 years. The application of technologies such as 3D printing and Artificial Intelligence, and a well-designed exhibit layout have ensured a captivating and immersive experience for museum-goers.

Sanxingdui civilization possesses many common traits from both Eastern and Western civilizations, making it a brilliant result of early cultural exchange between China and foreign cultures, experts said. 

The FISU World University Games serves as a brilliant stage for different cultures to blend. At the opening ceremony, Shu embroidery works, one of the four most famous embroidery styles in China, are used as guiding signs for athletes entering the stadium, explained Chen Weiya, the chief director of the opening ceremony. He hopes that after the ceremony, each delegation will take the guiding sign as a precious gift from China back to their own countries.

German swimmer Henning Bennet Mühlleitner told the Global Times on Friday that with the many colorful activities in Chengdu, he plans to first try out the special flavor of the city - "mala", a kind of spicy sauce that originated from the area. 

"I'm craving some Chengdu dishes and cuisine, and looking forward to checking out the city," he said, adding excitedly that "I'd love to see some pandas. That would be cool!"