On November 10, the "Beijing in the Eyes of Global South Gen Z" International Communication Event, hosted by CRI Online, kicked off in Beijing. The event brought together 20 influencers from Brazil, Laos, Mexico, Vietnam, and other Global South countries to explore the city's unique blend of the old and the new through the fresh perspectives of Generation Z.

On November 11, the influencers visited Haidian, Chaoyang, and Xicheng districts, where they experienced the marvel of sci-fi concepts brought to life, the global appeal of China's creative IPs, and the enduring charm of Beijing’s cultural heritage.

A Laotian Internet celebrity observes an 8K ultra-high-definition display.

[Photo by Qu Chang]

At the metaverse experience capsule, a Mexican influencer was so captivated by the lifelike virtual scenes that she reached out to touch the screen, trying to discern what was real and what was digital. After trying a VR game, an Egyptian influencer exclaimed, "That's incredible!" Inside the 3,000-square-meter Leyard Technology Experience Center in Haidian District, the group explored how AI and intelligent display technologies are reshaping industries. They witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge achievements of Leyard, a supplier for both the 2008 and 2022 Beijing Olympic Games.

Covering 53 square kilometers, the Haidian Artificial Intelligence Innovation Zone serves as a testing ground for breakthroughs in AI. Within it, the Haidian AI Genesis Community, a microcosm of Beijing's broader innovation ecosystem, impressed the influencers with its vivid, real-world AI applications.

A Mexican influencer interacts with a robot in the Haidian AI Genesis Community.

[Photo by Qu Chang]

Here, influencers enjoyed massages from adaptive robots and sampled robot-brewed tea. "It feels like a dream," said a Vietnamese influencer after touring the community.

Internet celebrities have a group photo taken at the POP LAND.

[Photo by Qu Yi]

A Vietnamese Internet celebrity has a photo taken with Labubu.

[Photo by Wang Liang]

POP LAND, covering an area of approximately 40,000 square meters in Chaoyang District’s Sun Park, is China's first immersive IP-based theme park in the trendy toy industry. On the afternoon of November 11, the influencers launched a fun journey at the theme park. A Vietnamese influencer couldn't get enough of Labubu, describing the character as "adorable and unique." When asked about the global success of Chinese IP creations like Labubu, she replied firmly that it was the result of China's great leap in creativity and innovation.

A Laotian Internet celebrity has es a photo taken with a Peking

[Photo by Qu Yi]

At Huguang Guild Hall, the group was deeply captivated by the performance of The Man of Beautiful Beard Rides on a Solitary Journey (千里走单骑) and cheered for the crisp and decisive movements of the Peking Opera performers. A Brazilian influencer admired the guild hall's architecture, describing it as "an embodiment of Chinese aesthetics." Having heard stories from Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义), he said he strongly respected the character Guan Yu. He described performers' singing, posture and movements as appealing. "Most importantly, I've witnessed the living inheritance of Chinese culture here. It's truly fascinating—I hope to learn more about it," he added.

(Source: CRI Online)