STORY: Exploring Chengdu: Countdown to Universiade
DATELINE: July 27, 2023
LENGTH: 00:04:24
LOCATION: CHENGDU, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/SPORTS
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of cityscape in Chengdu
2. STANDUP 1 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
3. various of cityscape in Chengdu
4. STANDUP 2 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
5. various of Jinsha Site Museum
6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): YIN WEIJIA, Guide, Jinsha Site Museum
7. various of the pattern of "Sun and Immortal Birds"
8. various of Tai Chi movements
9. STANDUP 3 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
10. various of Chengdu's Shu brocade
11. various of tourists
12. STANDUP 4 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
13. various of cityscape in Chengdu
14. various of Sichuan Opera performance
15. STANDUP 5 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
16. various of Sichuan Opera performance
17. various of sports
18. STANDUP 6 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
19. various of sports
 
STORYLINE:
 
STANDUP 1 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
"Chengdu, known as the hometown of giant pandas, is set to impress the world once again.
This time, the spotlight isn't on the adorable animals, but on an extraordinary world-class sporting event, the FISU World University Games."
 
Caption:
Exploring Chengdu: Countdown to Universiade
 
The Chengdu Plain is long known as a "land of abundance." Chengdu, a city steeped in history, once nurtured the ancient Shu civilization, which dates back at least 4,800 years.
 
Caption:
Jinsha Site
Chengdu
 
STANDUP 2 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
"This is the gold ornament with the pattern of 'Sun and Immortal Birds,' which are revered symbols in the ancient Shu culture."
 
SOUNDBITE (Chinese): YIN WEIJIA, Guide, Jinsha Site Museum
"This 'Sun and Immortal Birds' gold ornament is a cultural relic under top-level national protection.
It's also the main pattern for the logo of the city of Chengdu. During the forthcoming Chengdu Universiade, this ancient image will also be showcased prominently."
 
The Universiade will run from July 28 to August 8. As Chengdu takes the spotlight, you'll discover a city seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
 
STANDUP 3 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
"Around a thousand years ago, Du Fu, a revered poet of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), lived in Chengdu for four years.
Du described the city as a 'famed bustling metropolis,' capturing its prosperity and vibrancy."
 
Back then, Chengdu stood among China's most renowned commercial cities, reaching extraordinary levels of prosperity.
 
Of particular fame is Chengdu's Shu brocade, which became one of the most notable commodities traded along the Silk Road.
 
Today, Chengdu has evolved into a modern and thriving international hub in southwest China.
 
STANDUP 4 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
"When night falls, the city takes on a new look, especially as viewed from above."
 
Caption:
In 2022, the GDP of Chengdu exceeded 2 trillion yuan (around 280 billion U.S. dollars)
 
The city's Global Innovation Index ranks 29th among the world's top S&T clusters
 
Over 300 Fortune Global 500 enterprises are operating in Chengdu
 
With its flourishing economy, rich history and vibrant culture, the city with a history of over 2,000 years is seen by many as a pleasant place to live.
 
It's offering a good balance between modern amenities and traditional charm.
 
Caption:
Sichuan Opera
Face-changing technique
 
STANDUP 5 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
"Sichuan Opera is one of the renowned opera schools of Chinese opera. And among the best known stunts, is the face-changing technique."
 
As the Chengdu Universiade draws near, a sports craze is sweeping across the city.
 
Caption:
By the end of 2022, Chengdu had around 64,100 sporting venues and facilities
 
STANDUP 6 (English): SUNNY ZHOU, Xinhua correspondent
"Behind me at Dong'an Lake Sports Park, stands a 31-meter-high giant torch tower.
The torch will soon be lit up there, with vigor and dreams of athletes from across the world."
 
The city is ready and poised to welcome an impressive and unforgettable sporting extravaganza.
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Chengdu, China.
(XHTV)