The 2025 Shanghai International Sister Cities Youth Camp opened at the Youth & Children's Center in Pudong New Area on Friday, with teenage delegations from 22 friendship cities across 18 countries attending.

Initiated by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission in 2009, this year's camp has attracted 105 participants to explore the city's blend of tradition and modernity. Ding Lizhong, chief education supervisor of Pudong New Area, said: "Such activities enhance interactions between young people from our friendship cities."

Among the participants is Angus Kingsley Shattock from Queensland, Australia, who visited China twice recently — first to experience its culture, and then again out of a deep affection for the country.

"I loved the country so much and everything I experienced that first time," he said, "I'm thrilled to be here again, especially to meet new people and exchange diverse cultural perspectives."

Shattock added that he hopes to study in China someday, noting the differences between media portrayals of the country and his personal experiences, emphasizing the warmth of the people he encountered.