Chongqing - On January 17, the "Bridge of the Future: Meeting the Youth in Chongqing" China-U.S. Youth Exchange event was held at the Chongqing Stilwell Museum. 

The event brought together students and representatives from Elon University in the U.S. and youth from Chongqing, engaging them in exciting cultural and educational activities.

The Chongqing Stilwell Museum, the only museum in China named after a foreign military figure, holds deep historical significance. It features General Stilwell's former residence and a photo exhibition on his life and legacy. After a visit by Elon University's study tour group in January 2024, the Stilwell Research Center successfully negotiated with Elon to make the museum a permanent visit point for their future programs, helping to strengthen China-U.S. youth exchanges. 

The study tour group visited the Chongqing Stilwell Museum on January 17. (Photo/Deng Yan)

A youth exchange forum titled "Reflecting China-U.S. Wartime Cooperation and Celebrating Youth Friendship" was held in the museum's conference room following the museum tour. Professors Xiao Honglin and Zhao Lin from Elon University and Professor Zhang Guoxi from Sichuan International Studies University moderated the discussion. The youth participants engaged in lively discussions on topics such as World War II cooperation and youth exchanges in the new era, sharing their personal stories and insights.

The youth from the U.S. and China engaged in the exchange forum titled "Reflecting China-U.S. Wartime Cooperation and Celebrating Youth Friendship" at the museum's conference room. (Photo/Deng Yan) 

After the forum, the Chinese and American youth moved to the observation platform, where they donned commemorative T-shirts featuring General Stilwell's portrait. The group then participated in a friendly table tennis match along the Jialing River. The match saw the youth working together in teams, showcasing their cooperative spirit amidst cheers and applause.

The youth from the U.S. and China participated in a friendly table tennis match along the Jialing River. (Photo/Deng Yan)

During their stay in Chongqing, the study tour group also visited the world-famous Dazu Rock Carvings, explored the Hongyan Village Metro Station, and experienced the shock of China's infrastructure development. They also toured Hongya Cave, discovering the city's unique blend of history and modernity. They savored the city's spicy hot pot while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the locals. In just a few days, the group gained a deep appreciation for the distinct charm of the Mountain City.

 (Huang Zhuoyue, as an intern, also contributed to the report)