Some 50 students from 18 countries attend the opening ceremony of the 5th Silk Road Youth Tour in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Dec 17. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

"We are from different countries, but we have all enjoyed the fruits of the Belt and Road Initiative," said one of some 50 international students, who embarked on the 5th Silk Road Youth Tour in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Dec 17. 

In fluent Chinese, Ruo Man (Chinese name), a Pakistani doctoral student from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, shared his impressions of China. 

"China-made products are impressive," he said. "As a foreigner living in China, I have benefited greatly from the country's increasing living standards, social security, transport network, shared economy, e-commerce and scientific achievements." 

Ruo suggested younger generations from all countries should take responsibility and push for stronger connections between China and their motherlands.

International students practice traditional Chinese craftsmanship. [Photo/njust.edu.cn]

During the seven-day tour, the international students totally immersed themselves in China's social, economic, cultural and historical facets; they put on hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothes) and practiced folk rituals in Huaian in Jiangsu province; they visited Yangzhou Dual Museum and tried their hands at the local time-honored block printing techniques; they tasted the renowned Huaiyang cuisine, tantalizing their taste buds with scalded tofu shreds, sweet and sour mandarin fish and morning tea; they visited natural and historic sites, including Slender West Lake, Hexia Ancient Town and Yangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. 

The students even learned culinary skills from masters at Yangzhou University and served some classic dishes such as kung pao chicken and Yangzhou fried rice, the latter a rich dish which can be dated back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and features well-chosen ingredients, refined cooking, delightful colors, and retention of the ingredients' original tastes. 

The tour ended on Dec 23, with students presenting an enjoyable variety show.

International students work in teams to transport a ball. [Photo/njust.edu.cn]