Shanghai overseas Chinese volunteers cycled in the rain to promote low-carbon travel.
According to the website of the Shanghai United Front Work Department, recently, the Changning District Overseas Chinese Federation in Shanghai held a "Low-Carbon Life, I Take the Lead" mountain biking event as part of its themed series "Optimizing the Ecological Environment, Building a Green City District" for Changning's overseas Chinese volunteers.
Nearly 40 overseas Chinese individuals from district street and town federations, education and health systems, as well as new overseas Chinese workstations actively participated. The cycling event started from Zhongshan Park, passed through Jing’an Sculpture Park and the Bund History Memorial Hall, and concluded at Gongqing Forest Park, covering a total distance of approximately 25 kilometers.
Although it was rainy and overcast on the day of the event, everyone gathered punctually at Zhongshan Park for a brief departure ceremony. During the ceremony, Zhang Guorui, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Changning District Committee and Party Group Secretary of the District Overseas Chinese Federation, expressed gratitude to all participants for actively joining the cycling environmental campaign, contributing to promoting green travel and building a beautiful Changning. She also reminded everyone to stay safe and have a smooth journey. The cycling group was then divided into four teams, and everyone set off enthusiastically despite the drizzle.
Along the way, participants supported and helped one another, ensuring no one was left behind. The uniform blue team uniforms, red caps, and environmental slogans on the team flag caught the attention of passersby. At two midway stops—Jing’an Sculpture Park and the Bund History Memorial Hall—interactive game segments were arranged, such as finding designated sculptures in Jing’an Sculpture Park, dancing with pedestrians, and striking creative poses in front of the People’s Heroes Monument on the Bund. Team members cooperated closely, enjoying the activities together and strengthening their bonds.
The three-hour ride tested everyone’s endurance and willpower. Despite gradually waning physical strength, each participant persevered through the challenges and finally regrouped at Gongqing Forest Park. Drenched in sweat yet beaming with joy, they tossed their caps high into the air and shared celebratory champagne.
Everyone felt that this mountain biking event was highly meaningful. It not only promoted low-carbon and environmental awareness but also allowed participants to exercise, build resilience, make new friends, and experience a rare sense of relaxation and joy away from the concrete jungle. Especially for new overseas Chinese who attended their first federation event, it fostered a sense of familiarity and belonging toward the overseas Chinese community.