Chongqing - People-to-people exchanges between China and the United States flourish. From April 9 to 12, a delegation of 106 scholars and students from over 20 prestigious American universities, including UC Berkeley and UCLA, is visiting Chongqing for a multi-day program of technological and cultural exchange activities.

On April 9, at the Chongqing University Science Center, a delegation of 106 scholars and students from over 20 American universities officially kicked off their visit to Chongqing. (Photo/Shared Journey for Youth Brighter Future in Chongqing event)

On April 9, the delegation arrived from Chengdu and attended a launch ceremony at the Chongqing University Science Center. Nora Andrea Martinez, a youth representative from the U.S., shared her excitement, "This is my second trip to China. From the winter scenery in Beijing and the pandas in Chengdu to Chongqing now, I can’t wait to experience the technological progress, the subway through buildings, and the cuisine in Chongqing." 

It is reported that one of the organizers of this exchange event is the American Flying Tigers Friendship Association. Xu Shaoli, President of the Association, stated that the mission aims to ensure the historical ties represented by the Flying Tigers spirit are passed down through generations. 

He noted that first-hand experience far outweighs textbooks, as students were deeply impressed by China’s bullet train and modern urban development. He hopes the younger generation will become tellers of "new stories," sharing their authentic experiences to encourage more Americans to visit China.

In addition to the ceremony, students enjoyed an immersive experience of various Intangible Cultural Heritages, headlined by the Tongliang Dragon Dance. As a national-level heritage, the dance is world-renowned for its powerful movements simulating a soaring dragon and serves as a signature of Chongqing culture.

Following the ceremony, students gathered at the Science Center entrance for a visual feast. Accompanied by rhythmic background music, a vibrant silk dragon coiled and darted through the air, captivating the audience.

Students joined influencer Ryan to try out the Tongliang Dragon Dance at the Chongqing University Science Center. (Photo/Shared Journey for Youth Brighter Future in Chongqing event)

After the performance, Ryan, a well-known Chongqing-based influencer, introduced the cultural significance of the dance and invited students to try it. The American youth were enthralled, participating enthusiastically in a lively atmosphere that felt like a celebrity meet-and-greet as they lined up for photos with Ryan.

Marissa Irene Marcarelli, a student from California State University Long Beach, remarked after taking a turn at the dragon’s head, "When I was three, I told my mom I wanted to go to China to see a dragon dance. Now, I’ve not only seen it but also taken part in it. It’s incredibly cool."

Beyond the dragon dance, the center featured interactive zones for traditional activities such as traditional dyeing, embroidery, paper-cutting, and shuttlecock kicking. Students tried their hand at embroidery to create adorable pandas, played shuttlecock, or experimented with traditional Chinese musical instruments.

Later, the students visited the Chongqing University of Chinese Medicine to explore the history and treatments of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They crafted herbal sachets and practiced traditional fitness exercises.

Students crafted traditional Chinese medicine herbal sachets at Chongqing University of Chinese Medicine. (Photo/Shared Journey for Youth Brighter Future in Chongqing event)

The sachet-making workshop, a tangible extension of TCM wellness concepts, was a highlight. One student proudly showed off her "sachet family," a collection of her handmade creations. She planned to bring these Chinese herbs back to the U.S., noting that her mother often uses botanical herbs for similar purposes. This cultural resonance underscores the natural foundation for TCM’s acceptance abroad as a form of natural therapy.

The delegation’s itinerary will continue with visits to the car factory of Seres, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, and Chongqing’s night view. These immersive experiences are designed to offer a multi-dimensional view of Chongqing, further strengthening the U.S.-China people-to-people exchange.