Seven new international youths are appointed as Overseas Communication Ambassadors of Qiantang. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The 2025 Hi, Qiantang! International Communication Conference opened on Dec 30 in Hangzhou's Qiantang district, bringing together over 200 experts, media representatives and international youth to showcase the area's latest practices in global communication and cultural exchange.

The conference gathered representatives from provincial and municipal international communication centers, local universities, BRICS-country media outlets and international youth groups. Through project showcases, creative launches and forums, the event highlighted how young people are driving cross-cultural storytelling.

International students played a central role in the event. Since the launch of the Touch Qiantang influencer incubation program earlier this year, young creators from more than 10 countries have shared stories related to Qiantang's urban life, culture and innovation on overseas social platforms, reaching over 1 million viewers. At the conference, seven new international youths were appointed as Overseas Communication Ambassadors of Qiantang, joining last year's cohort to tell local stories from a Gen Z perspective.

The event also unveiled the Qiantang Cup International Youth Chinese Culture Contest. Open to international students and foreign youths, the six-month competition combines Chinese-language expression with performances and storytelling, connecting language learning with Qiantang's local culture. Outstanding participants will join Qiantang's overseas communication talent pool.

In addition, the BRICS Window international communication partnership was launched alongside initiatives to support enterprises and cultural projects looking to go global.

Experts discuss the development of a customized international communication pathway for Qiantang. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]