Deputy Secretary in charge of the Lang Son Provincial Youth Union Doan Thanh Cong (left) presents flowers to the Head of the children's delegation of Pingxiang town (China) (Photo: Anh Tuan/VNA)

At Hoang Van Thu Secondary School in Lang Son city, by the glow of a campfire and the rhythm of lively music, students from the host school joined hands with peers from Primary School No. 4 in Pingxiang town, Guangxi, China to perform the traditional bamboo pole dance.

The children also took part in a variety of cultural experiences such as decorating Vietnamese conical hats, crafting handmade pottery, and visiting the Lang Son Provincial Museum. These were part of the exchange program called "Pink scarf friendship for border children of Lang Son, Vietnam – Guangxi, China", designed to create a meaningful and fun platform for cross-cultural interaction.

Children from Lang Son (Vietnam) and Pingxiang (China) take a photo together at the Exchange Program “Pink Scarf Friendship for Children on the Border of Lang Son (Vietnam) – Guangxi (China). (Photo: Anh Tuan/VNA)

The participants share their impression: 

"I drew the flags of Vietnam and China on a conical hat. I felt so happy participating in these activities with my Vietnamese friends. I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture."

"These activities helped me understand more about the customs of Lang Son and the traditional costumes of its ethnic communities. I had a great time. Vietnamese friends were very welcoming. I hope the friendship between our countries will continue to grow."

"I really hope to have more chances to exchange with Vietnamese friends."

"Through the images I painted on this conical hat, I want to send a message of peace and friendship between Vietnam and China. I was so happy to welcome our Chinese friends. I hope to share our local culture with students from Pingxiang."

Children from Lang Son (Vietnam) and Pingxiang (China) participate in the experience of painting Vietnamese conical hats at the Lang Son Provincial Museum. (Photo: Le Phuong/VOV5)

As neighboring regions along the Vietnam–China border, students from both sides are introduced to each other’s cultures through school programs and exchange activities.

Ms. Tan Cui Huan, Principal of Primary School No. 4 in Pingxiang town, Guangxi, said: “At our school, teachers frequently explore Vietnamese culture and share it with students. We include lessons on Southeast Asian culture, especially about Vietnam, to deepen their understanding. I’ve also seen how friendly and close the exchanges between the Vietanmese and Chinese people in the border areas are, especially in recent years. We've even organized football matches between the schools, which were great fun.”

Lang Son province and Pingxiang town in Guangxi have long maintained a close relationship thanks to their geographical proximity. For many years Cao Loc and Tan Thanh districts in Lang Son have engaged in regular trade, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation with the Chinese town.

Children from Lang Son (Vietnam) and Pingxiang (China) dance together at the Exchange Program. (Photo: Le Phuong/VOV5)

The residents living along the Vietnam-China border said: 

"The people on both sides are very united. We often take part in cultural exchange programs together."

"People living along the borders of the two countries are very friendly. When we visited China and didn’t know the way, locals eagerly helped us with directions."

In addition to community exchanges, local authorities from both sides also met to share experiences in economic development and cultural preservation. They are committed to maintaining border security and respecting each country’s legal framework.

Children from Lang Son (Vietnam) and Pingxiang (China) at a campfire (Photo: Le Phuong/VOV5)

Nguyen Van Thinh, Vice Chairman of the Cao Loc District People’s Committee, Lang Son province, said: “We frequently visit each other during major holidays such as National Day, and host activities to celebrate the Party founding anniversary and the Spring Festival. During these local celebrations, we always invite our friends from across the border, and they do the same. These exchanges between Cao Loc district and Pingxiang town  are very effective in strengthening the bond between our communities.”

Over the years, the close-knit relationship between the authorities and people in the border areas of Lang Son Province (Vietnam) and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) has played a vital role in fostering a peaceful and friendly Vietnam–China border.

Notably, the growing friendship and solidarity among the young people of both sides represent a continuation and development of the spirit of "Vietnam–China friendship, everlasting”, serving a vital bridge, strengthening border cooperation and contributing to the overall stability and sustainable development of bilateral relations between the two countries.