Journalists and media professionals have participated in a six-day international media tour in China’s southern island province of Hainan, offering participants a first-hand look at the province’s rapid transformation into a global tourism destination, a high-standard free trade port, and a model of green and sustainable development.

The international media exchange program, titled “Why China: Walking in Lingshui,” was held from June 21 to 26 with the aim of introducing Hainan’s development achievements to a global audience through the perspectives of international journalists, editors, communication experts, and digital media creators.

Rather than focusing solely on Hainan’s picturesque beaches and tropical landscapes, the program highlighted the province’s progress in free-trade-port development, ecological conservation, cultural preservation, technological innovation, medical tourism, international education, and rural revitalisation.

The event was jointly hosted by the Hainan Provincial International Cultural Exchange Center and the People’s Government of Lingshui Li Autonomous County. It was jointly organised by the Hainan Branch of China News Service (Beijing) International Communication Group Co., Ltd., and the Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports Bureau of Lingshui Li Autonomous County.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, organisers noted that although many people around the world still associate Hainan primarily with beaches and tropical tourism, the island has become one of China’s most important platforms for high-level reform and opening up. They said the program was designed to allow international media representatives to witness these developments first-hand and share authentic stories about Hainan with audiences worldwide.

One of the highlights of the tour was Lingshui Li Autonomous County, located on the South China Sea coast. Widely regarded as one of Hainan’s fastest-growing coastal regions, Lingshui combines stunning natural scenery with rich ethnic heritage while emerging as a center for tourism, international education, digital technology, and the marine economy.

During the six-day program, participants visited a number of key destinations, including Boundary Island Scenic Area, Diaoluoshan National Forest Park, Haifeng International Film and Television Base, the Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, Hainan Ocean Paradise, Shuang Fanshi Marine Sports Center, the Former Site of the Qiongya Soviet Government, the Danjia Museum, Nanwan Monkey Island, Tropical Forest Expo Park, and Qiling Characteristic Village.

The delegation observed Lingshui’s pristine ecological environment, experienced the unique traditions of the Danjia fishing community, explored sites of revolutionary history, and learned about local initiatives in environmental conservation, rural revitalisation, international education, digital film and television production, coastal leisure tourism, and marine sports.

Many participating journalists said the visit had changed their perception of Hainan. They noted that beyond its reputation as a tourist destination, the province has developed into a dynamic center for free trade, technological innovation, education, healthcare, and ecological protection.

Several participants also commented that Hainan’s integrated approach—combining economic development with environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation—could serve as a valuable reference for many developing countries.

The program brought together journalists, editors, communication specialists, overseas Chinese-language media representatives, and international bloggers from 12 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, including Bangladesh.

For Bangladesh, the experience carries particular significance as bilateral cooperation with China continues to expand in trade, investment, tourism, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges. Participants observed that Hainan’s Free Trade Port could offer new opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses, students, tourists, and investors in the years ahead.

Once known primarily for its tropical beaches, Hainan is now positioning itself as a global hub for innovation, education, healthcare, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Through initiatives such as the “Why China: Walking in Lingshui” media tour, the province hopes to strengthen international understanding of its development model while sharing the story of China’s high-quality opening-up with the world.

Young people from Bangladesh and countries along the historic Maritime Silk Road have been invited to participate in the international creative poster design competition titled “AI World Heritage & Zheng He Legacy,” which aims to promote cultural exchange, world heritage awareness, and the enduring spirit of the famed Chinese navigator Zheng He.

Organized to commemorate the historical legacy of Zheng He and strengthen people-to-people ties among countries connected by the Maritime Silk Road, the competition encourages participants to use artificial intelligence and digital creativity to explore the relationship between world heritage sites and maritime history.

More than 600 years ago, Zheng He, a renowned Chinese explorer from Yunnan Province, led seven historic voyages across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His journeys passed through the Strait of Malacca, crossed the Indian Ocean, and reached the eastern coast of Africa, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and friendship among diverse civilizations.

The competition is open to young people from Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and other countries. Eligible participants include university students, young designers, cultural and creative professionals, and individuals engaged in heritage conservation and cultural development.

Participants are required to create posters incorporating at least one UNESCO World Heritage element from their own country. For Bangladesh, eligible heritage sites include the Sundarbans and the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur. Designers may also draw inspiration from Zheng He’s voyages and heritage sites in other countries along the Maritime Silk Road.

The organizers encourage the use of AI tools in the creative process, although traditional drawing techniques and design software may also be incorporated. Participants must submit a design statement explaining their creative inspiration, the use of AI technology, and the significance of the selected heritage elements.

The submission period will run from June 6 to July 10, 2026, followed by a judging phase from July 11 to July 25. Winning works will be showcased in online exhibitions in China, while selected offline exhibitions will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A professional jury comprising heritage experts, cultural institution leaders, university scholars, and media representatives will evaluate entries based on cultural authenticity, artistic expression, technical quality, and communication effectiveness.

The competition offers attractive prizes, including a First Prize of RMB 3,000, three Second Prizes of RMB 1,000 each, five Third Prizes of RMB 500 each, and twenty Excellence Awards. Winners will receive certificates, while Excellence Award-winning works will be featured in offline exhibitions.

Participation is free of charge, and there is no limit on the number of submissions. Entries must be submitted digitally in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format and sent to the official email address chinanewsyn@163.com.

Organizers expressed hope that the initiative will strengthen cultural dialogue among nations, enhance appreciation of world heritage, and inspire young people to use innovative technologies to tell stories of shared history and friendship across borders.

In a vibrant display of cross-cultural friendship and shared values, the International Lei Feng Spirit Promotion Team from Sanming University was invited to Liedong Middle School in Sanming City on the afternoon of March 25. The visit coincided with the launch ceremony for the third season of The Glow Project: Youth in Community Service and the presentation of the fourth phase results for the “7+1” Diverse Ethnic Fusion Second Classroom.

Foreign teachers and international students joined local middle school students in a lively gathering that interpreted Lei Feng’s spirit through a global lens while fostering dialogue on Chinese and international cultures. The event created a harmonious melody of youth-driven kindness and cultural integration.

This event successfully integrated the promotion of Lei Feng’s spirit with an international perspective, breathing new life into the spirit through cross-cultural exchange. By leveraging the platforms of The Glow Project: Youth in Community Service and the “7+1” Diverse Ethnic Fusion Second Classroom, it further strengthened inter-school cooperation between Sanming University and Liedong Middle School. The activity also deepened mutual understanding and friendship among Chinese and foreign youth, as well as among young people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a Bangladeshi foreign teacher and head of the International Lei Feng Spirit Promotion Team at Sanming University, led the team’s participation throughout the activity. He delivered an inspiring speech titled “Small Actions, Big Impact: How Can We Be Like Lei Feng — A Global Perspective?” Drawing on personal experiences and real-life examples, He illustrated the enduring vitality of Lei Feng’s spirit on modern campuses and in international exchanges. He also emphasised the core values of selfless dedication and willingness to help others, noting that Lei Feng’s spirit is not only a treasure of Chinese culture but also a universally admired quality cherished by humanity. The speech resonated deeply with teachers and students in attendance.

International students from Sanming University also stepped forward enthusiastically to share stories about their home countries’ unique cultures, customs, and traditions. They engaged in warm interactions with Liedong Middle School students, who in turn shared insights about China’s excellent traditional culture and the distinctive cultures of various ethnic groups. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious, successfully building a bridge for Sino-foreign cultural communication and multi-ethnic cultural integration.

Participants expressed their commitment to using this exchange as an opportunity to carry forward Lei Feng’s spirit. They pledged to spread warmth through small acts of kindness, serve as ambassadors of cultural exchange, and let their youth shine brightly through dedication and cultural blending.

The event highlighted how Lei Feng’s legacy of helping others continues to inspire young people across borders and cultures, contributing to a shared sense of national and global harmony.