'Beijing in Eyes of Global South Gen Z' International Communication Event: Youthful Voices Meet 'Old Beijing' and 'Modern Vitality'

On November 10, the "Beijing in the Eyes of Global South Gen Z" International Communication Event, hosted by CRI Online, officially kicked off in Beijing. Twenty influencers from Brazil, Laos, Mexico, Vietnam, and other Global South countries are exploring the city's unique blend of the old and the new through the fresh perspectives of Generation Z.

On November 11, the group visited the Haidian, Chaoyang, and Xicheng districts, where they experienced firsthand the city's fusion of tradition and innovation—from science fiction concepts becoming reality, to the global appeal of China's creative IPs, and the enduring charm of its cultural heritage.

A Laotian Internet celebrity stopped to watch in front of an 8K ultra-high-definition display screen. 

[Photo by Qu Chang]

At the metaverse experience capsule, a Mexican influencer was so captivated by the lifelike virtual scenes that she reached out to touch the screen, trying to discern what was real and what was digital. After trying a VR game, an Egyptian influencer exclaimed, "That's incredible!" Inside the 3,000-square-meter Leyard Technology Experience Center in Haidian District, the group explored how AI and intelligent display technologies are reshaping industries. They witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge achievements of Leyard, known as the "dual Olympic enterprise" for its participation in both the 2008 and 2022 Beijing Olympic Games.

Covering 53 square kilometers, the Haidian Artificial Intelligence Innovation Zone serves as a testing ground for breakthroughs in AI. Within it, the Haidian AI Genesis Community, a microcosm of Beijing's broader innovation ecosystem, left a lasting impression on the influencers with its vivid, real-world applications of artificial intelligence.

A Mexican influencer interacted with a robot in the Haidian AI Genesis Community.

[Photo by Qu Chang]

Here, influencers enjoyed massages from adaptive robots and tasted tea brewed by AI-powered machines. "It feels like a dream," said a Vietnamese influencer after touring the community.

Internet celebrities shot a group photo at the POP LAND.

[Photo by Qu Yi]

A Vietnamese Internet celebrity took a photo with Labubu.

[Photo by Wang Liang]

At Sun Park in Chaoyang District, POP LAND, covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters, is China's first immersive IP-based theme park in the trendy toy industry. On the afternoon of November 11, they launched a fun journey at POP LAND. A Vietnamese influencer couldn't get enough of Labubu, calling the character "adorable and unique." When asked why Chinese IP creations like Labubu have become global sensations, she replied, "It's all thanks to China's great leap in creativity and innovation."

A Laotian Internet celebrity took a photo with a Peking Opera actor.

[Photo by Qu Yi]

At Huguang Guild Hall, they were deeply captivated by the performance of "The Man of Beautiful Beard Rides On A Solitary Journey" and cheered for the crisp and decisive movements of the Peking Opera actors. A Brazilian influencer admired the guild hall's architecture, describing it as "an embodiment of Chinese aesthetics." Having heard stories from Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三國演義), he said he greatly respected the character Guan Yu. "Most importantly, I've witnessed the living inheritance of Chinese culture here. It's truly fascinating—I hope to learn more about it," he added.