A US delegation titled "China Folk House Retreat: Yunnan Experiential Learning Program" visited the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary President of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in Beijing on the afternoon of July 9. Its members toured around an exhibition on Madame Soong's life and a thematic display about her living scenes to learn more about her life stories, especially her special historical ties with the US, profound friendship with American friends, and the contributions to promoting the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Visiting teachers and students of the US delegation showed their admiration to Madame Soong for her deep love of China and the Chinese people, the consistent pursuit of peace and friendship, and the relentless efforts in promoting the exchanges and friendship between people of the two countries.

Dr. John Flower, Chief of the US delegation, said that the fruitful tour has helped all participants grasp a deep understanding of Madame Soong, profound Chinese culture attached by gardening and architecture, the warmth and friendliness of the Chinese people. He conveyed thanks to the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) for its reception and emphasized that he is willing to engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation, explore approaches for deepening the people-to-people exchanges between youths of the two countries, and strengthen the friendship between Chinese and American people.

The US delegation included over 20 college and middle school students from Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arkansas, California and Washington State. They have taken part in the "China Folk House Retreat" program, which was founded by Flower, also a retired teacher of Washington D.C. Sidwell Friends School.

The US delegation is scheduled to attend a four-week study tour in Beijing and Yunnan.