Media professionals make traditional pottery. [Photo/jinhua.com.cn]

Young media professionals from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative visited Pujiang county in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on July 22, where they explored ancient villages and experienced the region's rich cultural heritage.

They were deeply impressed by the well-preserved traditional architecture and cultural practices in Songxi village, which boasts a 1,000-year history.

Maria Batista, a journalist from Gabon, recorded various scenes of local life, including traditional crafts like rope making, weaving, and paper-cutting. He plans to share these experiences with young people back home to promote cultural exchange.

Melissa Akeisha holds a xi character paper-cut. [Photo/jinhua.com.cn]

Melissa Akeisha from Guyana tried her hand at making traditional Chinese paper-cutting window decorations, and kept a xi character paper-cut, which symbolizes happiness and good fortune at weddings, as a souvenir. She hopes to participate in more such cultural exchanges to strengthen ties between China and Guyana.

The group also visited the Shangshan Cultural Site Park, where they learned about the ancient Shangshan culture and tried making traditional pottery. Baraniko Karaiateiti, a radio producer from Kiribati, was amazed by China's dedication to preserving its history, noting the rarity of such extensive historical research in his own country.

Monteiro Bonifacio from Mozambique was equally impressed by the detailed explanations of Shangshan culture, recognizing Pujiang as the origin of rice cultivation in China. He hopes for continued cultural exchanges to promote mutual understanding and the advancement of human civilization.