Embracing cultural immersion: Nanjing's allure for foreign Gen Z travelers

(ECNS) -- The millennium-old Nanjing city and its classical literature offered young vloggers from Russia, Equatorial Guinea, Turkmenistan, El Salvador, and Bangladesh a unique opportunity to travel back in time and experience the ancient culture centuries ago.

"If there were truly Shen Wansan's magic treasure pot, I would put in lots of delicious food, and then delicacies would be reproduced from it," said Timoshin Klim, the Russian vlogger who loves Huaiyang cuisine, after being told a legend of the Zhonghua Gate built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Legend has it that Shen Wansan, the richest person in Nanjing during the Ming Dynasty, possessed a treasure pot that had the magical power to “reproduce” anything placed into it. The pot was said to be buried beneath the Zhonghua Gate, solidifying its foundation.

During their visit to the Nanjing City Wall, "Generation Z" vloggers also learned many historical anecdotes and legendary stories about the wall. With a history of over 650 years, the Nanjing city wall was constructed between 1366 and 1386, the early years of the Ming Dynasty.

The well preserved and protected ancient architecture amazed the foreigners, while classical literatures added appeal to their experiences.

Chinese ancient literature has proven to possess an immense allure for these foreign youth. Under the guidance of the staff, they recited the ancient poem "Wuyi Lane" together to catch a glimpse of the history of the ancient city.

"Chinese ancient poetry conveys so many meanings in just a few words, whereas in Spanish, it would require much longer sentences," said Salguero Solis Jonathan Esau, a young vlogger from El Salvador. He recalled of reciting poetry with his grandfather and father during his childhood. In his view, the charm of poetry and rhythm can transcend language barriers.

Nanjing was awarded the title of "City of Literature" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019, the first city in China to receive this honor. (By Jing Yuxin)