From April 4 to 12, nine U.S. teenagers, including Maya Kuzak and Savannah Carr, visited China to participate in vibrant cultural exchange activities at the joint invitation of our university and Shanghai Construction Engineering School.

On April 7, the teenagers visited our campus in Fengxian District, where Zhou Subei, professor from the School of Architecture & Environment Art gave an insightful lecture, enabling them to learn about the origins and development of the technique of rubbing and get the opportunity to practice it themselves. Our Dragon Dance Team, instructed by Yu Yu and Li Zexuan from the Department of General Studies, performed a stunning display, allowing for an in-depth cultural exchange between the American and Chinese youths. On April 8, the group visited Shanghai Construction Engineering School, where they experienced firsthand calligraphy, lion dance, paper-cutting, clay sculpture, Baduanjin (a form of Qigong), intangible cultural heritage of incense craft, auricular point pressing therapy, and many more, which took them on a journey of appreciating the charm of Chinese characters, folk customs, wellness practices, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Throughout their daily itinerary the school assigned a “walking map” who led them to navigate through the urban landscape in Shanghai. The charming and lovable “walking map” brought young participants closer, allowing them to connect emotionally. Together, they explored the cultural essence and rich cultural heritage of the city in their visits to famous sites like Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and Time-honored Brand Hall, and appreciated the beauty of small towns in areas south of the Yangtze River and dynamic development of Shanghai over their tours in Qingxi Old Street, Fengxian Museum, and the “Fish of Shanghai”.

This event provided the American teens with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Chinese culture and the urban charm in Shanghai, leaving them with unforgettable memories. Maya Kuzak shared her feelings before returning to the U.S.: “This is my first time in China. I was both excited and nervous before coming. But after arriving, I found China to be very safe, and the convenience of daily life here exceeds that in the U.S. The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I am deeply touched. I will definitely come back if I have the chance.” ”

President Xi Jinping pointed out that the hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in the two societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels. This themed exchange event, based in Shanghai’s rich historical and cultural heritage and its open and inclusive cultural character, vividly showcased the practice of Chinese-style modernization in Shanghai and the charm of this international cultural metropolis. It also strengthened mutual understanding between the youth of the two countries and laid the foundation for fostering China-U.S. friendship.