As anticipation builds for the 2025 Chengdu World Games, the host city has rolled out an immersive cultural experience for visiting athletes, blending sports with Sichuan's rich heritage. Over 100 participants from across the globe recently visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where China's iconic black-and-white ambassadors charmed international visitors ahead of the competition.
The week-long cultural tour, running through August 18, features seven curated routes showcasing 17 landmarks. Highlights include the 2,300-year-old Dujiangyan Irrigation System – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Taoist birthplace of Mount Qingcheng. Athletes explored eco-friendly urban parks and traditional tea houses, reflecting Chengdu's dual identity as a modern 'park city' and cradle of ancient Chinese civilization.
'Meeting the pandas felt like connecting with China's living national treasures,' said Canadian lacrosse player Emily Tan, holding a panda-shaped souvenir. The tour's strategic design aligns with China's cultural diplomacy efforts, using soft power to foster international goodwill through shared appreciation for ecological conservation and historical legacy.
With the World Games expected to draw 10,000 participants from 100+ countries and regions, Chengdu's initiative sets a new standard for integrating major sporting events with cultural exchange. The program underscores China's commitment to showcasing sustainable urban development while celebrating its ecological achievements through the beloved giant panda conservation program.
