How does Beijing balance its ancient roots with futuristic innovation? The 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, which launched this week, became a vibrant stage for global youth voices. CGTN’s Enoch Wong chatted with students from Malaysia, Pakistan, Uganda, and local peers to uncover their takes on this cultural fusion.
Hutongs vs. High-Tech 🏮💻
‘Walking through hutongs feels like stepping into history,’ said one Communication University of China student. But Beijing isn’t stuck in the past – its AI hubs and smart city projects dazzle international attendees. A Ugandan student praised how ‘old temples stand beside neon-lit tech parks without missing a beat.’
Global Minds, Local Vibes 🌐
From calligraphy workshops to VR tours of the Forbidden City, the forum showcased Beijing as a crossroads for collaboration. A Malaysian participant called it ‘a TikTok feed of culture – every scroll reveals something new.’ The mix of traditional tea ceremonies and robotics exhibits left everyone buzzing.
As the forum wraps up, one thing’s clear: Beijing’s cultural recipe – 1 part tradition, 2 parts innovation – is resonating with Gen Z worldwide. 👏🎉
