On September 22, the Silk Road People-to-People Bond International Volunteer Service Program—Tasting Shaoxing Canal Walk Event was unfolded in the millennium-old Ancient Torreya Forest, Jidong Town. Renowned scholars, cultural figures, reporters and youth representatives from more than 20 countries, as well as guests from related fields, were drawn to the event.

This event was sponsored by the China Volunteer Service Federation and the organizing committee of the World Canal City Canal Walk Initiative, undertaken by Social Work Department of CPC Keqiao District Committee and Shaoxing Natural Resources and Planning Bureau Keqiao Branch, and co-organized by Jidong Town People’s Government. The aim was to spread the charm of Shaoxing to the world through the strength of international volunteers, thus enhancing people-to-people bond between China and foreign countries and promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

On the afternoon of the same day, the international volunteers first visited the Ancient Torreya Forest Scenic Spot in Kuaiji Mountain, Shaoxing to learn about the history, growing environment, nutritional value and importance of Torreya to local economic development. “The Torreya trees here are spectacular. The oldest one is 1600 years old. They bear witness to the millennium-old history of Shaoxing,” Motogo Mariano from Equatorial Guinea listened with great interest. During the activity, each volunteer also adopted their favorite Torreya tree.

Afterwards, the international volunteers went to the Torreya Book House to discuss Torreya forest preservation and international dissemination, and the Certificate of International Dissemination Volunteer Service Ambassador was awarded to the volunteers. “This Canal Walk international volunteer service activity allows international friends from all over the world to experience Shaoxing’s practical achievements in ecological protection. This is also the significance of international volunteer service to boost cultural exchanges and promote people-to-people bond,” Cheng Hao, head of the organizing committee of the World Canal City Canal Walk Initiative.