Chongqing - An eight-day youth exchange program between China and the United States kicked off in Chongqing on March 9, bringing together 10 teenagers and two teachers from the U.S. state of Colorado with their Chinese peers. Centered on the theme of the “Eagle City,” the program offers participants opportunities for cultural exchange and hands-on learning about biodiversity and urban ecology in the southwestern Chinese metropolis.
The launch ceremony of the “Eagle City: China–US Youth Urban Exploration” program. (Photo/the event organizer)
A City Linked by the Flight of Raptors
Chongqing is widely known as China’s “Mountain City” and “Bridge Capital,” but it also carries a lesser-known title: the “Eagle City.” The megacity sits along one of the world’s major migratory routes for birds of prey. Each spring and autumn, hundreds of thousands of raptors circle above the urban skyline during their migration—an ecological spectacle rarely seen in a global metropolis.
The youth exchange program, titled “Eagle City: China–U.S. Youth Urban Exploration,” was launched at Chongqing Raffles City under the guidance of the Information Office of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government and Chongqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau. It is organized by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, together with institutions including the STEAM Interdisciplinary International Education Research Center at Southwest University.
The visiting students are participants in the “Eagle City: Sino–US Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest.” Over the coming week, they will visit ecological conservation sites and cultural landmarks across Chongqing, taking part in workshops, art collaborations and roundtable discussions to better understand the city’s biodiversity protection efforts and historical heritage.
Friendship Through Cultural Exchange
At the launch ceremony, a 40-minute free exchange session quickly broke the ice between the Chinese and American students. Chongqing students greeted their guests in English, while their American counterparts responded with a slightly hesitant but enthusiastic “ni hao.”
Conversations soon moved from hobbies to school life, and laughter replaced the initial shyness.
Chinese and American teenagers exchange gifts. (Photo/the event organizer)
Gift exchanges further warmed the atmosphere. Huang Ziyue, a Chongqing student, presented a cultural souvenir inspired by “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow,” a famous Chinese bronze sculpture symbolizing speed and vitality. She explained that the gift reflected the depth of Chinese history and culture.
Another student, Li Hanyu, offered a pack of Chongqing-style spicy snacks known as “latiao,” hoping her new American friends would experience the city’s bold flavors and hospitality.
The American students also brought carefully prepared gifts, including pens and small keychains, sharing them with their new Chinese friends as tokens of friendship.
Hu Chengliang, executive secretary-general of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed hopes for meaningful exchanges during the visit. School leaders and youth representatives from both countries also delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural dialogue.
Officials and organizers presented the students with eagle-themed plush mascots symbolizing the “Eagle City,” drawing delighted reactions from the American guests.
A Four-Year Initiative for Global Ecological Dialogue
The exchange program is part of a broader initiative that has been developing for four years.
Launched in 2022 by the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, the “Eagle City” project draws on Chongqing’s unique ecological position along a global raptor migration corridor. The initiative promotes raptor monitoring, research, rescue and public education while connecting youth and conservation organizations worldwide.
To date, the project has partnered with more than 120 environmental organizations in over 40 countries, engaging more than 20,000 young participants from China and abroad.
Chinese and American teenagers engage in conversation. (Photo/the event organizer)
In March 2025, the foundation launched the first Sino–US Youth Bird-Friendly City Innovation Contest together with the UN Sustainable Development Goals Public Education and Participation Partnerships Actions Management Committee. The competition involved 50 schools and 15 social organizations from both countries, drawing around 5,000 young participants.
The second edition of the contest began in November 2025, with partners including the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance in the United States helping organize activities, outreach and online exchanges. The initiative has also developed educational materials and STEAM-based learning resources focused on bird conservation and bird-friendly school practices.
So far, the project has hosted more than 50 events across 30 schools and institutions in China and the United States, continuing to deepen cooperation between young people from both countries in biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness.