On the evening of November 9, in the enthusiasm and exhilaration of a closure party of the China-U.S. youth cultural exchange study camp, young people from both China and the United States sang melodiously and danced dynamically, signifying the blooming of the flower of friendship between them. Over the past eight days, a party of 15 teachers and young students from Utah Valley University, together with those from Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade (ZJIET) had a cultural exchange study camp under the theme of “A Journey into Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage and E-commerce”. During this event, Chinese and American young guys fully experienced the prosperity of China's digital trade, the long-standing culture of the Song Dynasty, the brilliance of China’s natural landscapes, and the grandeur of Chinese architecture throughout history through activities of various forms such as classroom learning, cultural experience, visits to enterprises and extracurricular practice. Apart from that, the participants forged a deep friendship through the event.
A group photo of American guests with our teachers and students at the inauguration
A group photo of American guests and our teachers and students at the closure party
This is a “cultural journey” through the ages
In order for American guests to fully understand Chinese culture, the institute organized an experiential activity of “Charm of the Song Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage”. Dressed up in traditional Chinese costumes, the institute’s teachers and students showcased to American teachers and students “The dian cha technique of the Song Dynasty”, “Chinese calligraphy”, “Ancient technique of fan making”, and “Chinese kung fu”. American students personally experienced how to draw on the surface of tea, how to make circular fans with bamboo skin, how to write Chinese characters with brushes, and tasted the quintessence of Chinese kung fu in every gesture and motion. Not only did these activities allow American guests to learn about the extensive and profound traditional Chinese culture, but they also displayed the charm of ancient Chinese art via personal experience.
American students try out dian cha, a popular tea preparation method in the Song Dynasty
American students accomplish their calligraphic works
American students finish making circular fans with bamboo skins
American students follow the teacher to practice Chinese kung fu
This is a “journey of E-commerce” across mountains and oceans
American teachers and students visited the Digital Craftsman Institute and completed the e-commerce live-streaming course under Chinese teachers’ guidance. With great interest in China’s e-commerce and artificial intelligence technology, they gained a more intuitive understanding of modern Chinese e-commerce operation and technological support through personal experience. In the practical session, along with our Chinese hosts, American students learned about the entire process and crucial techniques of live-streaming marketing, particularly its application in cross-border e-commerce. The module course series not merely enables American students to systematically learn about and experience China’s booming e-commerce industry, but also show them the unique charm of Hangzhou as the capital of e-commerce in China.
In the outdoor study session, American guests were guided into Huawei Global Training Center, where they saw with their own eyes the cutting-edge technology and innovative practice of modern China’s smart manufacturing and witnessed how high and new technology contributes to the development of new quality productive forces and promotes social and economic progress. This on-the-spot investigation filled American guests with wonder at China’s splendid achievements in smart manufacturing and with expectations for great development potentials in this field and for broad opportunities of international cooperation.
This is a “journey of cities” beyond compare
During their stay in Zhejiang, American guests also toured the picturesque West Lake, visited the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum, China Umbrella Museum (Hangzhou), China Fan Museum, as well as China Knife, Scissors, and Sword Museum. Not only did these landmarks of Hangzhou exhibit the city’s brilliant culture, but they also allowed young American guests to better understand its history. In addition, students also visited the World’s Supermarket-Yiwu International Trade City, and learned how prosperous Chinese merchandise trade is. At Xun LU’s Former Residence in Shaoxing, American guests were shown Xun LU’s prominence as one of the founders of modern Chinese literature and pioneering masters along with the historical background in the great writer’s times. On Shaoxing’s representative black awning boats, they admired the beauty of a water town south of the Yangtze River and tasted the historical flavor of an ancient city in China.
American students tour the Deshou Palace
American students tour the Gongchen Bridge area
American students visit Yiwu International Trade City
American students visit Shaoxin ancient city
This is a “journey of soul” with sincere dialogues
At the symposium, the American and Chinese teachers and students had light-hearted dialogues with regard to cultural differences, educational systems, future career planning, among others, which enhanced mutual understanding and promoted intercultural understanding and respect. The common experience of learning and exploration inspired the youth both culturally and ideologically and sowed the seed of friendship on ZJIET’s campus.
The interactions between the two parties at the closing ceremony added more warmth and sincerity to the cultural exchange study camp. As American student Mo Dodson said, “We have many similarities though we are seemingly different”.
Chinese and American youth symposium
Rachel Bi, dean of the Finance Department and director of the Financial Technology Center at Woodbury School of Business of Utah Valley University, said, “In the wonderful golden autumn, we talked and laughed together, feeling so close to each other. While we are from different countries, speak different languages, and have different living habits, we created an excellent journey experience with our most authentic selves.”
“The cultural exchange camp in China is really terrific. China is a very special country with distinct cultures from the United States. I am touched by the kindness and dedication of the people here. I am grateful to have made so many friends. Hopefully our friendship will last forever. Everything here impresses me so deeply. I love China!” said another American student Thomas.
Still another student Daniel gave very inspiring feedback, “Before I came to China, I had heard some negative news about it. But after I arrived here, I came to see the elegance and fine qualities of the Chinese people, learn about its glorious history and foresee its bright future. I am inspired and I feel I have the responsibility to work hard for the bright future of the two peoples. I love China! I love China!”
American young guys express their feelings about the study camp
In order to fully implement the initiative announced by General Secretary Jinping XI on his visit to the United States in November 2023 that “China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years” and advance brand building of “economics and trade driven by overseas study”, ZJIET actively promotes people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign teachers and students. “A Journey into Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage and E-commerce” China-U.S. youth cultural exchange study camp presents a precious opportunity for the American youth to come into close contact with Chinese culture, society and status quo and personally experience a real, multi-dimensional and friendly China and gain an in-depth understanding of the country. Through these activities, Chinese and American young guys enhanced understanding and developed friendships, making them cultural envoys and promoters of China-U.S. friendly relations. The project has been selected into the Young Envoys Scholarship of China Education Association for International Exchange.
China and the United States are two largest economies in the world, and the relations between them are crucial to the well-being of the two peoples and the destiny of the whole mankind. China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation in education promotes mutual learning and intimacy between the two peoples, the youth in particular. It is a future-oriented project of developing China-U.S. relations. In the next step, ZJIET will further implement General Secretary XI’s significant initiative and continue its endeavor to promote China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation. We will invite more American youths to China for exchange or study and work together with the United States to foster more young envoys who know both the countries well, thus building more bridges for and contributing ZJIET’s strength to China-U.S. friendly relations.
