Gold medalist Chen Mengyue (C) of China, silver medalist Namrata Batra (L) of India and bronze medalist Ngo Thi Phuong Nga of Vietnam pose during the Women's Sanda -52kg awarding ceremony of Wushu event at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

CHENGDU, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- During the ongoing 12th World Games, held in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, foreign athletes are immersing themselves in Chinese culture and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

"I want to see the giant panda and also learn more about local culture," said Indian wushu sanda player Namrata Batra.

Batra has been practicing wushu since 2015 and is now exploring the cultural roots behind the sport. "I have heard that Sichuan's Qingcheng Mountain area is famous for wushu, and I hope to get the chance to learn more moves there," she said.

In the women's 52-kilogram wushu sanda event, Batra won a silver medal, marking India's first-ever podium finish in wushu at the Chengdu World Games.

"The level of wushu across the world is improving, and the competition is becoming increasingly close," said Zhang Yuping, secretary-general of the International Wushu Federation. "This shows that wushu has entered a new stage, with more people around the world taking part."

Beyond competition, foreign athletes are taking part in cultural experiences such as Sichuan Opera face-changing, sugar painting and Chinese calligraphy.

"I love Chinese dishes, especially Sichuan food. They are super delicious," said José Perurena, president of the International World Games Association.

"Shubao", one of the mascots, is seen during the opening ceremony of the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Aug. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

Chengdu's modern development has also left an impression. "I could really feel the city's energy while walking through the bustling Chunxi Road commercial district and Taikoo Li," said Ida May Hudson, a member of Canada's national floorball team. She and her teammates arrived early, visiting exhibitions, attending fairs, and trying on hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing.

The World Games is not only a major sports event but also a platform for international exchanges, according to Yin Jian, director of Chengdu's municipal center for promoting opening-up and cooperation. "Chengdu is fully showcasing its openness and vitality through this international event," Yin said.

To facilitate travel and spending for visitors, Chengdu has enabled 65,000 merchants to accept foreign card payments and now supports 21 international e-wallets for seamless transactions.

Chengdu also hosts 427 stores with tax refund services, including 103 that offer instant tax refunds. Additionally, foreign bank cards can now be used directly on the city's buses and metro, while some tourist attractions, airports and metro hubs have provided multilingual guidance.

Athletes have also been impressed by the technological innovation. During the Games, China-developed robots for patrolling, retail and delivery were deployed to support event services.

"The use of these robots has enhanced the athletes' experience and created more opportunities for our products," said Zeng Qi, chief technology officer of Eventec, a Chengdu-based technology company.

Another highlight is the smart glasses, which are capable of real-time translation in over 40 languages and have attracted widespread interest among athletes.

"The Games provide an excellent platform for innovative companies like us, bringing in more opportunities for cross-border cooperation and international expansion," said Liu Yu of Sichuan INMO Technology Co., Ltd., the developer of the glasses.