To deepen the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and promote mutual learning and exchanges between the youth of two countries, the Fifth "China-Russia Youth Friendship Journey" Event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Russia-China Friendship Association. The event took place from July 21, 2025, to July 30, 2025, in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province; Xiangtan, Hunan Province; and Xiangxi, Hunan Province, with nearly 100 young participants from various sectors of the two countries in attendance.
Experiencing the "Harmony of Ecology." Chinese and Russian youth ascended Mount Lu (Lushan) together and recited Li Bai's poem "Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu", reflecting on the traditional Chinese concept of ecological harmony—the unity of man and nature. They jointly planted evergreen trees in the China-Russia Red Tourism Cooperation and Exchange Commemorative Forest and, in Xiangxi, embraced the development philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", recognizing successful practices that advance ecological conservation alongside economic growth.
Revisiting the "Harmony of History" In Xiangtan, the hometown of Comrade Mao Zedong, participants laid a floral tribute at his statue, bowed in solemn respect, and visited the memorial hall and former residence of Mao Zedong to honor his historic contributions as the leader of China's revolution. At Xiangtan University's simulation and virtual laboratory, they took part in a virtual tour of the Memorial Exhibition of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, immersively retracing the nation's 14-year struggle and jointly commemorating heroic deeds. During a youth symposium themed "Remembering History and Pursuing Youth Aspirations in Safeguarding World Peace", participants exchanged views on the responsibilities and mission of the younger generation.
Singing Together the "Harmony of Culture." At Jiujiang Vocational University, Chinese and Russian youth studied traditional tea art, cloisonné craftsmanship, and Chinese tie-dye techniques. They also enjoyed a night cruise on the "Xunyangjiang" to view the neon-lit Yangtze River, and, under the guidance of a renowned Chinese pipa musician, learned the fundamentals of this traditional Chinese instrument. In Xiangxi, they gained deeper insights into the development of ethnic minority areas. At Huayuan County No. 3 Middle School, Chinese and Russian youth staged a joint cultural performance: Russian participants sang traditional folk songs, while Chinese participants presented Xiangxi's distinctive drum dances as well as dragon and lion dances, creating a warm and festive atmosphere of friendship.
Personally Witnessing the "Harmony of Development." At the Science and Innovation Center of Jiujiang Foreign Language School, youth participants engaged in immersive demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and bionic robotics. In Shibadong Village, Xiangxi—where President Xi Jinping first proposed the concept of "targeted poverty alleviation"—they learned about China's achievements in poverty eradication and rural revitalization. At the Aizhai Bridge, they experienced a "walk in the clouds", marveling at China's infrastructure development that has turned "natural barriers into thoroughfares."
On July 29, 2025, Russian youth representatives attended the World Youth Conference for Peace in Beijing. Leonid Petukhin, head of the delegation and Vice President of the Russia-China Friendship Association, took part in the joint reading of the "World Youth Peace Initiative." Russian artists also delivered a captivating musical performance.
