Nineteen teams from nine countries and regions participated in a cultural exchange day in Yueyang on Sept. 27, as part of the third Asian Secondary School 3×3 Basketball Championship. The event combined competitive youth sports with immersive visits to the Yueyang Giant Panda Garden and the historic Yueyang Tower to promote international friendship and cultural understanding.
Cultural Exchange Integration in the 3×3 Basketball Championship
The third Asian Secondary School 3×3 Basketball Championship is currently taking place in Yueyang, running from Sept. 22 to Sept. 29. Under the theme “Moon Full in Yueyang, Meeting Friends Through Basketball,” the tournament aims to use sports as a tool for education and integration. While the primary focus remains on the court, organizers integrated a dedicated cultural exchange day to allow student-athletes to experience the ecological and historical landmarks of the region.
The tournament schedule has already progressed through delegation arrivals, pre-competition training, the opening ceremony, and group stage matches. The remaining schedule includes the semifinals, finals, and the closing ceremony, which will include the handover ritual for the next event.
Ecological Education at Yueyang Giant Panda Garden
On the morning of Sept. 27, all participating athletes visited the Yueyang Giant Panda Garden. The visit functioned as an ecological research experience, supported by professional bilingual guides who provided information on the dietary habits, living conditions, and breeding and protection technologies associated with giant pandas. The guides also detailed broader wildlife conservation efforts within China’s ecological system.
Athletes from various delegations observed the pandas’ natural behaviors, including feeding and climbing. An athlete from the Singapore representative team noted that while they had seen pandas online, seeing them in person provided a different perspective on China beyond the basketball court, describing the experience as valuable for understanding Chinese ecological culture.
Historical Exploration of the Yueyang Tower
Following the visit to the panda garden, the delegations traveled to the Yueyang Tower scenic area. As one of the three most famous ancient towers in southern China, the site provided the students with an introduction to the architectural style and history of the region. Bilingual guides explained the structural evolution of the tower and the literary significance of the “Memorial to Yueyang Tower,” specifically highlighting the philosophy of “worrying before the world worries and rejoicing after the world rejoices.”
The athletes viewed the landscape of Dongting Lake from the tower’s balconies. An athlete from the Macau representative team stated that the visit helped them recognize the city of Yueyang not just for its scenery, but for its enduring cultural spirit.
Tournament Scale and Participant Reach
The event serves as a bridge between youth from across Asia, utilizing the 3×3 basketball format to facilitate interaction. The current participation metrics for the third edition of the championship are as follows:
- Total Teams: 19
- Represented Regions: 9 countries and regions
- Event Duration: Sept. 22 – Sept. 29
- Key Cultural Sites: Yueyang Tower and Yueyang Giant Panda Garden
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