What kind of sparks will fly when sporting events meet the beauty and culture of Nanjing? This spring, athletes participating in the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 took time outside of their competitions to embark on a “Citywalk” through Nanjing’s scenic areas. On the afternoon of March 22, over 40 Chinese and international athletes visited Pukou Railway Station Street and Pearl Spring Scenic Area, immersing themselves in the charm of Nanjing in spring.
A Cultural Journey Through Time
With red brick walls, winding corridors, arched doorways, and porthole windows, Pukou Railway Station Street, nestled on the northern banks of the Yangtze River, was the first stop for the athletes. Walking through the area, they could feel the traces of history etched into every corner.
Athletes took photos in front of the Zhu Ziqing Statue, experiencing the unique blend of literature and reality. At the Back View Essay Wall on Jinpu Road, they engaged with the beauty of classical Chinese literature in a tangible way. Every landmark in the area told a story, allowing the athletes to fully appreciate the deep historical charm of Pukou Railway Station Street.
“Pukou Railway Station Street is full of historical significance,” said XIE Zhenye, a member of the Chinese athletics team. “Today’s visit gave me a closer look at intangible cultural heritage. I got to understand it, experience it, and develop a deeper appreciation for its charm.”
From the mesmerizing face-changing opera performance to the elegant guqin and guzheng music and the powerful yet graceful traditional Chinese dance, the events at Pukou Railway Station Street were captivating. A particularly memorable activity was the calligraphy experience, where athletes practiced writing the Chinese character for “blessing”. Amidst a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, these handwritten characters came to life in their hands.
A Romantic Encounter with Nature
After leaving Pukou Railway Station Street, the athletes continued their journey to Pearl Spring Scenic Area, embarking on a romantic encounter with nature.
Known as the “No.1 Scenic Spot in Jiangbei”, Pearl Spring is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, unique springs, and breathtaking rock formations, which appear even more stunning in springtime.
Guided by tour experts, athletes took photos by the mirror-like Jingshan Lake, clapped their hands near the Xike Spring to watch bubbles rise continuously, and visited Dingshan Pavilion Square to engage with ancient Chinese poetry and experience the beauty of traditional culture. Every corner of Pearl Spring Scenic Area was a picturesque sight, allowing athletes to deeply immerse themselves in both the natural landscape and cultural heritage of the region.
“This place is absolutely beautiful! It’s such a relaxing spot!” said Andro Grigoryan, an athlete from Georgia.
When sports meet the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Nanjing, athletes gain a unique and unforgettable experience, while the city itself takes on an added charm. Tomorrow, they will continue their exploration, visiting even more of Nanjing’s historic and scenic sites to further appreciate the city’s profound heritage.
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