CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The “Global Commitments: Mutual Learning of Civilizations” international cultural exchange event officially launched in Chongqing on November 25.

The event saw the participation of a diverse international delegation, consisting of 25 representatives from leading film production companies, cutting-edge technology firms, overseas television stations, and renowned news agencies from Europe, the U.S., ASEAN countries, and Africa. These guests visited Chongqing to explore the cultural history, smart industries, tourism and culinary culture, and media technology of the city, immersing themselves in the city’s innovative developments across various sectors.

The first stop of the tour took the delegation to the Yongchuan Technology Film Studio, where they experienced the country's first-ever digital technology film studio—Dawa Film Studio. Here, they were introduced to cutting-edge filming techniques such as XR (extended reality) and motion capture, allowing them to experience the future of filmmaking in an immersive way. Without the need for real fire or even the construction of actual ruins, the team saw how disaster scenes could be seamlessly integrated with actors’ performances using advanced virtual reality technology. The results were so impressive that they rivaled actual on-location shoots.

Guests stood before a curved LED virtual shooting screen, where they were instantly transported from exploring caves in a mountain to strolling across a bridge spanning a river – all within seconds. The smooth transitions between scenes amazed everyone, leaving the delegation in awe.

"This is the most impressive film production base I have ever seen!" said Luc Bendza, the Chief Representative of the African Film Association in China. In the past, overseas film crews often had to invest a great deal of time, energy, and money to shoot scenes in China. However, at the Yongchuan Technology Film Studio, virtual technology now allows all scenes to be created in one go, making the entire filming process significantly more convenient. "I hope that in the future, China and Africa can strengthen cooperation in filmmaking, promoting Chongqing's culture and bringing it to the world!"

After marveling at the cool tech of modern filmmaking, the group continued their journey to Dazu, where they explored the ancient and magnificent cultural heritage of the Dazu Rock Carvings.

Dating back to the early Tang Dynasty, these carvings are renowned for their grandeur, exquisite artistry, diverse themes, rich symbolism, and remarkable preservation. Recognized as a masterpiece of late-period grotto art, the Dazu Rock Carvings were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, with the Baoding Mountain, Beishan, Nanshan, Shimenshan, and Shizhuanshan sites collectively making up the inscription.

At the Dazu Rock Carvings Dome Cinema, guests gazed up in wonder as the spherical screen, resembling the vast sky, enveloped their entire field of view. Within the flowing light and shadows, many iconic figures from the carvings came to life, as if transcending time and space. At the Baodingshan Scenic Area, the intricate statues of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin and the Nirvana of Shakyamuni were breathtaking, captivating everyone with their beauty and elegance.

"Stunning! The experience of appreciating the Dazu Rock Carvings has been amazing. This place is perfect for documentary filmmaking, and I hope to collaborate with Chongqing on international projects in the future," said Weldy Hans, Director at Rekam Indonesia.

The delegation also ventured to Mountain City Alley in Yuzhong District, where they immersed themselves in local customs by sipping Baba tea (a traditional tea served in small stalls) and watching a Sichuan opera face-changing performance.

Sarbottam Shrestha, former president of the Arniko Association of Nepal and chairman of the Siddhartha Vanasthali College Management Committee, shared his thoughts with the media. Having studied in China for nine years and visited Chongqing in 1989, he was deeply impressed by the city’s transformation. "Chongqing has changed so much. The urban development is beautiful and impressive!" he remarked.

Following their visit to Dazu, the international delegation will continue their tour of Chongqing, including visits to Fuling District and Nanchuan District, where they will explore the Baiheliang Underwater Museum and the Chongqing Medicinal Plant Research Institute, among other sites. The entire event will be documented and turned into a special feature, part of a series of high-quality programs showcasing the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative to audiences in Europe, ASEAN, Africa, and other Belt and Road countries. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)