A 17-person youth delegation of NiHao philanthropy project from Dallas of the US paid a visit to China's Guangdong, Yunnan and Beijing from June 2 to 11.
During their 10-day visit in China, they grasped a deep understanding of Chinese culture, learned more about the country's modern development and achievements, held exchanges and interactions with Chinese youths, and forged a closer bond with their Chinese counterparts.
Gain an insight of China's sci-tech innovation and deepen personal understanding of the hard-working spirit of the Chinese people
In their visit to the Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall in Shenzhen city of South China's Guangdong province, the US youth delegation closely appreciated tremendous achievements made by the country in its reform and opening up through the display of valuable historical archives and concrete items.
The US youth delegation said that they were deeply impressed with the spirit of unity embodied by the Chinese people in the realization of the great dream of national rejuvenation and with relentless development momentum demonstrated by Shenzhen in its endeavor to come to the center of the world.
The tour also brought them to the Shenzhen-based top Chinese drone manufacturer DJI and the Beijing-headquartered leading Chinese AI firm iFLYTEK, where they listened to an introduction of the latest Chinese sci-tech development concerning drones and AI sector, personally experienced the innovative prowess and development strength of Chinese sci-tech companies, and marveled at the fast development of the country's sci-tech advancement.
Promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning and forge a friendship bridge for youths
The US youth delegation learned more about the heroic deeds of Nanqiao Construction Workers, the life stories of Tan Kah Kee, a patriotic overseas Chinese business pioneer and philanthropist, and the spirit of sacrifice followed by overseas Chinese when they visited Qiaoguang Primary School in Yunnan.
The US youth delegation engaged in interaction activities with students in Minzu Middle School of Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture, joined with them in the making of butter tea, attended a flag-raising ceremony, and exchanged souvenirs with each other. They took photos together and left personal contact message to their counterparts before their departure.
The US delegation said that China has provided its students of different ethic groups and from different regions with equal learning opportunities and resources in a move to promote the integrated development between different regions and between different ethnic groups.
Embrace the sustainable development philosophy and exchange public welfare principles as well as practices
When visiting a science popularization center for the protection and management of the Dianchi Lake in Yunnan, the US youth delegation gained a better understanding of China's efforts and achievements in ecological conservation and the development concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."
They fully understood the utmost importance of the maintenance of the stability of aquatic ecosystems in the Erhai Lake to the sustainable development of the entire region during their visit to the ecological and environmental protection area of the Erhai Lake.
In their visit to Beijing, the US youth delegation attended a symposium titled "the Sustainable Development with Our Life" at the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling and held talks with their Chinese peers over the targets of the sustainable development and the realization of relevant goals.
The US youth delegation also visited Beijing Volunteer Service Federation and shared with people there about volunteer stories in the two countries.
Explore exotic culture and the charm of intangible cultural heritage of Chinese ethnic minorities
During their stay in Dali of Yunnan, the US youth delegation toured around Xizhou ancient town, learned about woodblock printing and ancient paper-making craft, tried their hand in the making of tie-dyeing products of the Bai ethnic group, tasted three-course tea, and watched the song-dance performances.
In Diqing, the US youth delegation stayed overnight at the home of local Tibetan people, drank butter tea, ate tsampa, engaged in interactions with Tibetan students, and learned more about Tibetan customs as well as traditions. They visited the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery to experience the preservation and inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. In Nixi township of Shangri-La city, they learned about the efforts and achievements made by local people in poverty alleviation, rural revitalization and industrial development, and personally took part in the making of Tibetan black pottery.
Visit famous historical sites and experience cultural charm of Beijing
In Beijing, the US youth delegation visited the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the National Museum of China, where they learned more about China's glorious history and splendid culture, the grandeur of ancient Chinese architecture, the hard working and wisdom of the Chinese people, and the Chinese spirit of unity, tenacity and bravery.
In the National Center for the Performing Arts, the US youth delegation watched the performances of traditional Chinese music, closely experiencing fine traditions of Chinese culture and arts.
Share with each other about personal gain and feeling at a symposium
On June 7, the US youth delegation attended a symposium in the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People. They said that the visit has further expanded their horizon and left memorable memory on them, adding that they will share with their family members and friends at home about their feeling and experience in China.
Head of the US youth delegation conveyed thanks to all relevant sides for their organization of the Chinese tour, which enlarged the horizon of attending US children and further promoted the exchanges between American and Chinese youths as well as grassroots friendliness.
(Source: China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People, Department of International Cooperation and Exchange)
