Dalian, September 23—To the players, the city is bursting with vitality and exotic charm. During a “Cultural Day” in the lull of the 2025 FISU University World Cup Football, all participating teams were invited to take a one-day tour of Dalian. While relaxing, they also gained a deeper understanding of this picturesque coastal city.
What captured the hearts of the university student-athletes from across the globe? The answer is undoubtedly China’s national treasure, the giant panda. At Dalian Forest Zoo, the pandas are the brightest stars, filling the university students with immense excitement. Ignacio Sanchez from the University of Granada in Spain said it was his first time seeing a giant panda. He was extremely thrilled and even felt a sense of incredulity.
Coaches and players from Nigeria Lagos State University brought an ebullient spirit to Donggang Business District. Dressed in their traditional costumes, they danced down the postcard-perfect Gangdong Fifth Street, portable speakers on their backs, drawing crowds of delighted onlookers. Students from other nations were also caught by their high spirits and soon joined the impromptu carnival. Language barriers dissolved in the universal tongue of youthful exuberance.
Feeding seagulls by the sea on Xingfu Avenue and strolling through the rain-kissed Venetian-style market at St. Mark’s Square, these students soaked in Dalian’s signature romance. “Dalian is a gorgeous city with breathtaking views,” praised Samanta Moraes Vicini from University of the Extreme South of Santa Catarina from Brazil. Notably, her twin sister is also on the squad, sharing the memory-making journey.
At the Dongguan Street Historical and Cultural Block, the students developed a strong interest in martial arts performances. Various stalls at the intangible cultural heritage market also attracted their attention. To these foreign students, the centuries-old Chinese crafts such as sugar figure blowing and sugar painting seemed nothing short of magical.
Meet Dalian, Feel the Youth. In the prime of their lives, these student-athletes will carry the city’s beauty and warmth long after the final whistle. “Thank you, Dalian,” Sebastian Cerdaa, a delegate from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, voiced their appreciation for this experience.
Reporter Sui Haitao from Bandao Morning Post & 39 Du Video
29 Sep
