THE FISU World University Games (Universiade) will open in Chengdu on Friday. The biennial event for the world’s elite student athletes fits in well with the city, which is dubbed a “youthful city” as the number of residents aged between 14 and 45 in the city exceeds 9.6 million, accounting for over 45% of the city’s population, making it one of the most vibrant cities in China.

With over 10,000 student athletes from home and abroad set to descend in coming days, Chengdu is expected to captivate the world’s youth with its diverse cultures.

On a hustling and bustling street in Chengdu, 28-year-old Zhang Siyu works as a transportation volunteer.

In 2017, a song titled “Chengdu” became a national hit in China. In the same year, Zhang was admitted to the graduate program in computer science at Sichuan University. After graduation, he decided to settle down in the city.

Like Zhang, an increasing number of fresh graduates seeking jobs have chosen Chengdu as a top destination, not only because of career prospects, but also because of the city’s healthy life and work balance.

Chengdu boasts the largest number of teahouses in China. “I really enjoy the teahouses,” said 37-year-old Chen Si, the founder of a technology start-up Beidou Zhixun. “The fast-paced work can be well balanced with a good quality of life.”

Chengdu played host to the World Police and Fire Games in 2019 and World Team Table Tennis Championships in 2022. It will also host the World Games in 2025.  (Xinhua)