Photo taken on Nov 7, 2016 shows the launching ceremony of the third China-Vietnam Youth Festival at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Lang Son province, Vietnam. [Photo/Xinhua]

About 1,000 Chinese youths and over 9,000 Vietnamese young people kicked off the third China-Vietnam Youth Festival on Monday to strengthen understanding and friendship between their two countries. The festival, under the theme "Vietnamese and Chinese Youths Join Hands in Fostering Friendship", features various activities in Hanoi and six northern Vietnamese provinces.