Generation Z representatives from over 10 countries pose for a photo at Rizhao Port during their two-day trip in Rizhao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Young people and media representatives from over 10 countries visited Rizhao, Shandong, for a two-day trip, which showed Rizhao as a vibrant, open city where nature, innovation, and youthful energy meet. They explored the city's smart container terminal, coastal greenway, Olympic water sports town, tea plantation, green factory, and art town.

Participants cycle along the coastal greenway in Rizhao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At Rizhao Port, they saw automated cranes and driverless trucks. Myanmar student Ye Kyaw Thu commented on how the port connects people and trade across nations. On the coastal bike path, they enjoyed taking in the sights of golden beaches and wetlands.

At the water sports base, they teamed up for some dragon boat racing. "We felt like a family," said Yoosadiang Thamonwan from Thailand.

Rowing together on a dragon boat offers participants some unforgettable team fun. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In the tea garden, they picked leaves and learned traditional roasting techniques. "China's long‑established traditional tea‑making techniques are a uniquely charming form of intangible cultural heritage," said Veldesen Yaputra, a young participant from Indonesia. "In this tea garden, culture, ecology, and human development coexist in harmony, forming a sustainable development path that is highly worthy of learning from."

They also toured a smart manufacturing plant and an eco‑art town. At a local university, they co‑created paintings of marine ecology and the port.

A participant experiences Rizhao's tea culture at a local tea garden. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gen Z representatives pose for a photo at Bailu Bay in Rizhao, Shandong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Global youths paint a picture together to show their shared expectations for future ocean development. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]