100 international students from 45 countries studying at 40 Chinese universities engage in cultural exchanges of SCO countries. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The "Encounter SCO, Beautiful Qingdao" social practice activities for international students in China officially commenced at the Qingdao SCODA Pearl International Expo Center on June 25.

Organized by the Education Service Center for International Students of the Ministry of Education and the SCO Demonstration Zone Management Committee, 100 international students from 45 countries studying at 40 Chinese universities engaged in cultural exchanges of SCO countries, visits to cutting-edge technological facilities, cultural experiences, and more.

They also explored Chinese culture and Qingdao's defining industries and deepened their understanding of the position and role of the SCO Demonstration Zone in the new platform for international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The "Encounter SCO, Beautiful Qingdao" event is a part of the "Encounter China with Me" series of activities for international students in China. The aim is to provide a practical platform for a large number of international students in China, promote cultural exchanges among young people from different countries, and tell China's stories well, spread China's experiences, and make China's voice heard.

"During my study in China, I have not only made friends from all over the world, but also experienced the richness of Chinese culture and the rapid development of modern China. There are many economic and trade stories in Qingdao and the SCO Demonstration Zone. I will share what I have seen, heard, and felt here in Tajikistan, bringing Chinese stories and the Chinese voice to more people and becoming an ambassador for the Belt and Road Initiative," said a Tajikistani student studying in China.