The 19th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp kicked off on July 16 in Shanghai, bringing together students and teachers from 19 countries.

Hosted by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Shanghai Youth Federation, the 10-day camp, based at Shanghai Datong High School, aims to foster cross-cultural understanding through various activities, from exploring the city to experiencing traditional Chinese culture.

This year marks the first time for youth from Colombia, Honduras, and Vanuatu to participate in the event. Celebrations are also underway marking anniversaries of diplomatic relations with Switzerland, Vietnam, Nepal, Serbia, Italy, and Thailand.

The program features 109 international participants from countries including Australia, Burkina Faso, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Vietnam, alongside 16 Chinese friendship ambassadors and university student volunteers.

To encourage interaction, campers have been divided into mixed-nationality groups.

This year's camp is structured around three themes: Shanghai's Height, Innovation's Strength, and City's Warmth.

Activities range from visiting iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and exploring the City God Temple to experiencing traditional Chinese arts like calligraphy, martial arts, and traditional Chinese medicine. A Mini World Expo will also allow participants to share their own cultures.

Jahniro David Kalloris from Vanuatu expressed his excitement about exploring the city. "I was really excited to see why it was called the city of light," he said. He also stated his interest in learning more about the cultures of the UAE and Nepal.

Andriana Napuat, also from Vanuatu, shared her anticipation of exploring Shanghai and learning about different cultures during her first visit.

Kristina Andelkovic from Serbia expressed her enthusiasm for making new friends and experiencing new cultures.

"I'm also looking forward to making new friends," Andelkovic said, adding she was particularly interested in the cultures of Japan and Thailand and hoped to meet people from the United States.

The camp also emphasizes hands-on experiences and skill-building, with visits to the World Skills Museum and workshops focusing on traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

Participants will also experience daily life in Shanghai through homestays and excursions to the Yangtze River Delta region.

Luo Bin contributed to this story.