The young city in Ai Qing’s poem refers to Shihezi City.
Ai Qing has worked and lived in Shihezi for 16 years. He was moved by the construction of Shihezi and wrote "Young City" affectionately: I have been to many places, and this city is the youngest. It is so beautiful that it makes people fall in love at first sight. It is not a mirage in the vast sea or Penglai Wonderland. Every plant and tree in it is made of blood and sweat.
In addition, the famous poet Yang Mu, who was awarded the "Honorary Citizen of Shihezi City", wrote the famous "I am a Youth" at home and abroad in Shihezi: I am an eagle, with ambitions in the clouds, I am a horse, and I am a young man. I have a saddle, I have bones, there is calcium in my bones, I have sweat, and there is salt in my sweat. The ambition, responsibility and character of the Corps people described in this poem are still very resonant to this day, inspiring generations of Shihezi people.
Creative background
In the winter of 1959, the poet Ai Qing and his wife Gao Ying were invited to Xinjiang by General Wang Zhen, the then Minister of Agricultural Reclamation. Arriving in Shihezi, Xinjiang, Ai Qing and Gao Ying unexpectedly discovered the beautiful scenery they had not seen for a long time. In Xinjiang at this time, the young sons and daughters of the Republic of China have devoted nearly ten years to the cultivation of this land. The former Gobi Desert is turning into an oases, and the ancient desert is gradually shining with the condensation of blood and sweat. The pearl of success.
Ai Qing, who was deeply moved by Shihezi, could not hold back his excitement. He wanted to praise the miracle in the wilderness and the great builders of New China. Therefore, "Young City" A poem was born.
Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia—Ai Qing