On Nov 6, the 2024 International Youth Pop Culture Carnival, one of the major events of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Youth Campus, was successfully held in Qingdao, China. Jointly hosted by the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC) and the Shandong Youth Federation, the youth oriented event was participated by around 80 youth representatives from SCO member countries, observer countries and some international students in China.

The joyful melody of "Impression China" featuring an ensemble of Chinese and Western instruments kicked off the splendid carnival. During the performances, pop cultures such as HIP-HOP dance, electronic music, traditional Chinese-style clothing fashion shows, and Chinese and Western instrumental ensemble performances made the youth experience the interaction among diverse cultures and the integration between traditions and new fashions. The youths enjoyed themselves and exchanged ideas, expressing their beautiful longings for the future through their vitality and enthusiasm. In the cultural exhibition area, traditional Chinese handicrafts such as paper cutting, dough sculpting, and lacquer fans attracted the attention of youth representatives from various countries. They also experienced traditional Chinese medicine massage and tasted Shandong-specific sugar paintings and Chinese tea, fully feeling the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

The atmosphere at the event was cozy and friendly, full of laughter and applause. Many youth friends from SCO countries said this event brought them a brand new cultural experience and helped them gain a deeper understanding of China. Trendy culture provides more common languages for youth around the world. Mutual exchanges enhanced their mutual understanding and brought their hearts closer together. They hope to have more opportunities to participate in such exchange activities and are willing to share their feelings with their friends.

This event is an important part of the "International Youth Pop Culture Season" series initiated and hosted by the CIYEC. The "International Youth Pop Culture Season" was launched in May this year, aiming to build a platform for youth from various countries to conduct exchanges and enhancing cooperation through various trendy cultural forms such as anime, HIP-HOP dance, pop toys, and  art fairs, etc. It enables the interaction among diverse cultures, stimulating creativity, promoting innovation and cooperation as well as deepening friendship.