U. S.- China Youth and Students Exchange Association
OUR HISTORY
2024
“Shared Journey of Friendship”U.S. Youth Exchange Delegation’ visit to China
From September 14 to 26, 2024, an 80-member delegation of teachers and students from Washington State, organized by the U.S. Youth and Students Exchange Association, visited Guizhou, Sichuan, Shandong, and Beijing for a 12-day study program, following an invitation from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
In Guizhou, the delegation delved into Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, engaging in Miao ethnic dance performances, batik craftsmanship, and attending a "Village BA" game, immersing themselves in the rich atmosphere of Chinese traditional culture.
The delegation then traveled to Shandong and Sichuan, where they engaged in in-depth exchanges with local students and experienced intangible cultural heritage activities such as block printing, paper cutting, and calligraphy. In Dujiangyan, they had a close encounter with giant pandas.
Finally, in Beijing, the youth delegation experienced the game of Go and attended a welcome reception hosted by Mr. Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. They engaged in friendly cultural exchanges with representatives from various sectors of China and the United States.
Youth Together: U.S. Youth Ambassadors Exchange and Study Program
From July 1 to 13, 2024, the U.S.-China Youth and Students Exchange Association, responding to an invitation from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, organized the "Youth Journey Together" delegation, bringing together about 190 students and teachers from 14 schools in seven U.S. states for a 13-day visit to China.
President Xi Jinping extended a message on July 1, expressing his hope that the delegation would use this visit to experience and understand China while interacting with Chinese youth as partners and friends. He emphasized the importance of fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the friendship between the peoples of China and the United States.
Throughout the journey, Chinese and American youth hiked the Juyongguan Great Wall, visited the Palace Museum, and cycled along Beijing’s central axis. They joined hands and sang together at a rock festival, sailed across the picturesque West Lake while embracing China’s natural beauty, watched the Impression West Lake performance, and joyfully interacted with students from across the globe.
Kuliang Connections: China-U.S. Youth Cultural Exchange Week
Between June 23 and 30, 2024, the U.S.-China Youth and Students Exchange Association facilitated an eight-day cultural exchange in Fuzhou, where 120 American teachers and students engaged with Chinese youth representatives.
The delegation explored the historical and cultural district of Guling, where they revisited a century of China-U.S. friendship through thematic exhibitions and a visit to the former site of the Universal Benevolence Society. In the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, they engaged in bodiless lacquerware crafting, bilingual poetry recitation, and a jasmine tea ceremony experience. At Fujian Normal University Affiliated High School, Chinese and American youth held bilingual discussions on climate change and collaborated on a "Digital World Heritage" AR project. They later experienced dragon boat racing and learned the techniques of cork carving at Minjiang University.
At the closing ceremony, both sides initiated the Guling Initiative, committing to the creation of a cloud-based exchange platform to foster deeper cultural exchange. The program also utilized AR technology to explore 23 cultural landmarks, emphasizing the theme of "Heritage and Innovation."
Friends from Afar: China-U.S. Youth Cultural Exchange Forum
From March 17 to 27, 2024, the China Media Group and the U.S.-China Youth and Students Exchange Association jointly hosted the "Friends from Afar" China-U.S. Youth Exchange Program, which officially commenced on March 18 in Beijing. A 60-member delegation of young American ambassadors visited Beijing, Shiyan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, engaging in cultural exchanges, technological discussions, and folk experiences. This 11-day journey provided them with an in-depth exploration of China's development path.
During the event, China Media Group awarded the "Cloud Letters: My Story with China" Global Partner Program certificates to Lincoln High School and Strathcona High School in Washington State, recognizing their contributions to promoting cultural exchange between Chinese and American youth. During the program, young participants from both countries explored various aspects of traditional Chinese culture. Specially designed discussions and teamwork activities focused on the role and responsibilities of youth in an increasingly globalized world. By promoting cross-cultural understanding and in-person interactions, the initiative helped build lasting friendships between Chinese and American youth while setting the stage for future large-scale collaborations.
2023
Celebrating Shared Bonds: China-U.S. People-to-People Dialogue
On November 16, 2023, the China-U.S. Friendly Dialogue on Cultural Exchanges, jointly organized by China Media Group, the U.S.-China Youth and Students Exchange Association, and other organizations, was held in San Francisco. Centered on the theme "Strengthening Friendship," the event sought to deepen connections between the peoples of China and the U.S. through civil exchanges and promote greater mutual understanding.
Attendees explored the continuation of China-U.S. people-to-people friendship, emphasizing the historical importance of San Francisco as the meeting place for the two heads of state and envisioning 2024 as a fresh chapter in the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations.
As a significant step in realizing the San Francisco Vision, this event reinforced the emotional connection between the people of both nations through cultural exchange and dialogue, while laying a foundation for future collaboration. Participants widely agreed that such exchanges help reduce misunderstandings and foster pragmatic cooperation between China and the U.S. amid a complex international landscape.
2018
The 2018 Sichuan International Friendship Cities Youth Summer Camp - Washington State Branch
This summer camp was composed of 30 teachers and students from Lincoln High School and Pierce County schools in Washington State, organized by the U.S.-China Youth Exchange Association. The program centered around the theme "Experiencing Traditional Chinese Culture, Exploring Sichuan's Natural and Cultural Landscapes, Witnessing Sichuan's Economic and Social Development Achievements, and Cultivating Future Friendship Ambassadors." Participants engaged in a series of exchange and visit activities in Chengdu, Leshan, Aba Prefecture, and Dujiangyan.
2016
Lincoln High School of Washington State, USA's 2016 China Trip
This summer camp was composed of 30 teachers and students from Lincoln High School and Pierce County schools in Washington State, organized by the U.S.-China Youth Exchange Association. The program centered around the theme "Experiencing Traditional Chinese Culture, Exploring Sichuan's Natural and Cultural Landscapes, Witnessing Sichuan's Economic and Social Development Achievements, and Cultivating Future Friendship Ambassadors." Participants engaged in a series of exchange and visit activities in Chengdu, Leshan, Aba Prefecture, and Dujiangyan.On October 11, 2016, under the organization of the U.S.-China Youth Exchange Association, a delegation of 118 teachers and students from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, USA, embarked on a visit to Fuzhou, Chengdu, and Beijing.During their stay in Fuzhou, they renewed their sister school agreement with Fuzhou Education College Affiliated High School and explored key cultural sites, including Guling and the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys.In Chengdu, the delegation visited Shishi High School, Wanda Middle School, and No. 9 Foreign Language School, where they watched Sichuan Opera, toured the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and gained deeper insights into Chinese art and Sichuan culture, forming lasting friendships along the way.
Students also wrote a letter of appreciation to Xi, in which they wrote down their fond memories of China. They hoped Luo would forward the letter to the president.
"The influence of the trip is far-reaching and the interactions between people will continuing," Luo said.
2015
Amicable Exchange during the China-US Friendship Visit: President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at Lincoln High School
In September 2015, through the leadership and coordination of Association President David Chong, Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan visited Lincoln High School as part of their U.S. tour.During their visit to the school auditorium, President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan enjoyed performances by the Lincoln High School choir and students from Fuzhou Education College Affiliated High School. The choirs sang the Chinese song "On the Fields of Hope" and the English song "What a Wonderful World." President Xi Jinping remarked: "Education shapes the future of a nation and its people. Youth is the most precious period in life. I encourage you to cherish this time, work hard, and build a strong foundation for your future success. Students from China and the United States should stand together to promote a better tomorrow for China-U.S. relations."
