Chongqing – The "Experience Chongqing · 2025 Sino-U.S. Cultural Exchange" event officially commenced on August 28, bringing together a 12-member delegation including leaders from Chinese-American friendship organizations and descendants of General Claire Lee Chennault.

The "Experience Chongqing · 2025 China-US Cultural Exchange" event was launched on August 28, 2025. During the activities, the delegation visited the Chinese Democratic Parties' History Exhibition Hall.(Photo：Deng Yan)

On the first day of the tour, the delegation visited the Chinese Democratic Parties' History Exhibition Hall in the Teyuan Garden and Guiyuan Garden. Attendees listened intently to docents' introductions on the history of multi-party cooperation and key revolutionary events connected to Guiyuan Garden. The experience provided a vivid and profound perspective on Chongqing's role as a historical and cultural city rich with revolutionary memory.

On August 28, 2025, the "Experience Chongqing · 2025 China-US Cultural Exchange" event was launched. The delegation visited the Chinese Democratic Parties' History Exhibition Hall during the activities.(Photo：Deng Yan)

"I am truly excited to visit Teyuan Garden and Guiyuan Garden today," said Lu Qiang, President of the American Chinese Friendship Council, following the tour. He noted that earlier this year, Zhang Sujiu, the youngest daughter of General Zhang Zhizhong, published her English-language memoir, The Daughter of the Peace General in Los Angeles. The memoir frequently refers to Chongqing, which served as a significant base for General Zhang and a crucial location for his collaboration with the Communist Party of China.

"We hope to use this memoir as a starting point to closely connect Los Angeles and Chongqing, uncover more shared historical links, and promote cultural and historical exchanges between the two cities," Lu said. 

He also expressed his hope that this visit would strengthen bilateral relations and further solidify the friendship between the peoples of China and the United States.

Among the delegation members was Patti Lou Chennault, granddaughter of General Chennault, who was visiting Chongqing for the first time. "The mountainous landscape of Chongqing is breathtaking, and I am deeply moved by the great respect that many Chinese people still hold for my grandfather," she said.

In 1941, General Chennault formed the American Volunteer Group, famously known as the "Flying Tigers. " The group operated in support of China's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II. Through their shared struggle and sacrifice, the group forged a powerful bond with Chinese soldiers and civilians.

"The Chinese and American people once fought side by side. This spirit must be passed down through generations," Patti Lou Chennault said. "I plan to bring my children back here in the future so that this friendship can be carried forward into a new era."

Running through September 1, the event includes visits to key cultural and historical sites such as the Yongchuan Technology Studio, the China Chongqing Three Gorges Museum, and the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery. The agenda also features the "Sino-U.S. Friendship Sculpture Donation Ceremony" and a seminar aiming at promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries.