The 31st World University Games in Chengdu are serving up a spicy cultural feast alongside world-class athletics! 🏟️ Over 10,000 athletes from 113 countries and regions are diving into Sichuan’s iconic flavors, rare panda encounters, and infectious local energy under the theme \"Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True.\"
Panda Diplomacy 101 🐾
No Chengdu experience is complete without its black-and-white mascots. Athletes flooded social media with selfies at the Chengdu Panda Base, where furry ambassadors like \"Rice Dumpling\" became unofficial Universiade stars. One Belgian swimmer joked: \"I’d trade my medal for a panda cuddle!\"
Spice Level: Chengdu Hotpot 🌶️🔥
The Universiade Village’s dining hall became a flavor battleground. \"I thought I could handle chili,\" laughed a German volleyball player, \"but Sichuan peppercorns made my lips dance!\" Local food bloggers are trending with \"survival guides\" for spice newbies.
Nightlife Meets Sports Life 🌃
When competitions wrap, Chengdu’s neon-lit tea houses and ancient alleys come alive. A Jamaican sprinter told CGTN’s Wang Zeyu: \"The energy here… it’s like the city itself is cheering for us!\" Organizers also arranged traditional Sichuan opera mask-painting sessions – because why not mix sports with face-changing art?
Through August 8, this mega-event proves sports can be a gateway to cultural magic. As the locals say: \"Laowai, come back often!\" (Translation: \"Foreign friends, visit again!\") 👋✨
