International Desk: Recently, more than twenty teenagers from Washington State, USA, traveled to Sichuan Province to take part in the China–U.S. youth exchange program titled “Travel to China with Pandas.” During the visit, the participants engaged in close interaction with China’s national treasure—the giant panda—while also experiencing Bashu intangible cultural heritage and exploring urban landscapes. Through walking tours and face-to-face exchanges, the students gained firsthand exposure to a real, multidimensional, and vibrant China.

Upon entering the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the playful and gentle pandas immediately captured the attention of the visiting students. Standing in front of the popular panda “Huahua,” they took photos and observed the animals closely, experiencing the charm and liveliness of this national icon.

American student Eva Angelique Beck expressed her excitement, saying, “This is my first time seeing a panda. They are smaller and more active than I imagined.” Many of the first-time visitors struggled to hide their joy at the encounter.

Watching pandas climbing trees and playing energetically completely reshaped the students’ previous perceptions, allowing them to appreciate the unique beauty and natural vitality of these animals in their authentic environment.

The program also offered an immersive cultural experience, using panda culture as a bridge for deeper engagement. The American students prepared panda-themed food, painted Chinese-style panda fans, and crafted panda shadow puppets. Through hands-on participation in intangible cultural heritage activities, they gained insight into the delicacy and artistry of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The simple procedures combined with vivid Chinese cultural elements helped the visitors better understand the aesthetic richness of China’s heritage.

American student Jesse Baum expressed admiration after completing his handmade panda shadow puppet, describing the traditional art form as “brought to life” in a fascinating way. He added that the experience sparked his interest in learning more about this ancient craft.

Beyond cultural workshops, the students also explored Chengdu’s historic alleys, observing the harmonious blend of ancient and modern urban life in Sichuan. The coexistence of towering modern architecture with historical sites, along with the city’s vibrant everyday atmosphere and cultural depth, left a strong impression on the visiting teenagers. They noted that Sichuan reflects both tradition and modern vitality, while the warmth and friendliness of local people made the journey especially memorable.

Zhou Shuxi, President of the China–U.S. Youth Student Exchange Association, said that young people learn best through direct experience and personal observation. He emphasized that allowing American youth to visit China and engage in face-to-face interaction helps build genuine international friendship, and that such experiences will accompany them in their long-term development.

According to information, the “Travel to China with Pandas” China–U.S. youth exchange program is jointly organized by China Media Group and the China–U.S. Youth Student Exchange Association. By using youth engagement as a bridge and culture as a medium, the program promotes immersive, experience-based exchanges that help reduce emotional distance between Chinese and American youth, strengthen mutual understanding, and contribute a warm and lasting youth-driven momentum to the healthy development of China–U.S. relations.

Source: Swarna, Touhid, Lili, China Media Group (CMG).