2025 Hong Kong Youth Sports Exchange (Xinjiang)

Chinese Version

(Photo Album)

From July 18 to 23, 2025, Ms. Lo Ka Yan led eight students on the "2025 Hong Kong Youth Sports Exchange (Xinjiang)" organized by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The group travelled to Urumqi to explore the region’s uniqueness and its sports culture through a well-rounded itinerary that included visits to sports schools and institutions, as well as immersive experiences in Xinjiang’s unique natural landscapes and ethnic traditions.

Upon arrival, the group attended a warmly welcoming dinner filled with ethnic flair. They enjoyed authentic roasted whole lamb and a traditional Uyghur dance performance, followed by a musical show at the Xinjiang Grand Theatre. The next day, the exchange tour officially commenced with an opening ceremony at Urumqi No. 127 Middle School, where Xinjiang’s own wrestling world champion, Rong Ningning, shared her inspiring journey. In the afternoon, the group visited the Xinjiang Regional Museum and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, delving into the region’s rich Silk Road cultural heritage.

On the third day, the group ventured to Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, walking along the wooden boardwalk amid stunning natural scenery. They then visited the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Museum to learn about the Corps’ historical efforts in reclaiming the Gobi Desert. The following day, the tour included a visit to the historical site of the First Company of the Corps and a modern peach orchard operated by the 143rd Regiment of the Eighth Division, offering a firsthand look at the transformation of the Gobi Desert into fertile land. That evening, Hong Kong and Xinjiang students bonded over a friendly football match in the Kumtag Desert. On the fifth day, the group embraced desert adventures—trekking, camel riding, and sand sliding—before wrapping up with a reflective sharing session on the final day.

After returning to Hong Kong, a debriefing session was held at our school. Students drew on their diverse experiences to discuss Xinjiang’s tourism economy, the integration of regional development and cultural promotion, eco-tourism potential, and distinctive ethnic culture. They also demonstrated sports skills acquired during the trip and concluded with a choral performance. This exchange not only deepened participants’ understanding of sports development in Xinjiang but also allowed them to experience its natural beauty and cultural richness firsthand. The interactions with local students greatly broadened their perspectives and enhanced their awareness of China’s history and culture.