Creative Hot Pot: Chongqing and Hong Kong Youth Bridge Cities Through Culture and AI

Youth from Chongqing and Hong Kong Collaborate on "Creative Hot Pot"

On June 18, over 30 young students from Hong Kong and Chongqing gathered at Chongqing University's Huxi Campus for the Chongqing-Hong Kong Youth City Cultural Exchange Conference. The event focused on "Urban Cultural Creativity Communication and Youth Mission," blending keynote speeches with AI-generated short videos to explore the cultural ties and innovative spirit shared by the two cities.

A Tale of Two Cities: From Geographic Differences to Cultural Resonance

Students from Hong Kong arrived at the lush Huxi Campus in the afternoon and began with a brief tour before the conference started. Lee Tszyu, Executive Director of the Chongqing Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Association, shared her personal journey of overcoming career challenges caused by AI technology. She encouraged students to see Chongqing as a city full of entrepreneurial opportunities, inviting them to embrace its potential.

Associate Professor Wu Minghua highlighted how geography shapes life philosophies, using Chongqing and Hong Kong as examples. She urged students to approach differences with curiosity rather than hesitation.

Hong Kong student Chin Yuhey brought to life the vibrant culture of Hong Kong through the lens of "Wok Hei," the unique flavor of stir-fried dishes. She described lively scenes from Mong Kok’s food stalls to the bustling streets of Causeway Bay and Cheung Chau, emphasizing how these settings represent Hong Kong’s grassroots culture.

From Chongqing, student Deng Yihong used the metaphor of the nine-squared grid hot pot—a pot divided into nine sections cooking different foods—to illustrate the city's spirit of inclusiveness and cooperation. Each ingredient, from beef tallow to chili peppers, works in harmony, symbolizing the city's respect for diversity and kindness.

AI-Driven Creativity: A Tale of Two Cities in Short Videos

The highlight was a group session where students used AI tools to create short videos on "Chongqing-Hong Kong City Dialogue." Four teams collaborated, combining historical visuals, storytelling, and AI animation to capture the shared culture and unique qualities of both cities.

One video, titled "Inclusiveness on the Tip of the Tongue," showcased an AI-generated animation blending Chongqing’s spicy hot pot with Hong Kong’s milk tea, celebrating the inclusive food culture they share. Another team focused on firsthand experiences of Hong Kong students in Chongqing, expressing their affection for the city.

The winning team produced "Parallel World," using AI special effects to merge the night views of Victoria Harbour and Hongyadong, symbolizing the creative fusion of the two cities. The project was praised for its visual impact and thematic depth. Each member received a teddy bear mascot from the School of Journalism and Communication as a token of recognition.

Youth Mission: Finding the Key to Dialogue in Differences

Yang Zixian, a Chongqing University student, shared that despite expecting many differences, the students found more common ground than anticipated. Their discussions revealed aligned views on urban memory and development, proving that dialogue can thrive on shared values rather than division.

The event ended with students exchanging contacts and extending their cultural dialogue beyond the conference. This meeting marked a fresh chapter of collaboration, blending the energy of two cities through creative expression.

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