11-Day Educational Exchange Program in Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu

Trip Summary

This classic11-day China-USA youth cultural exchange program took place in 2025 summer, covering three iconic Chinese cities: Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. The entire itinerary aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of Chinese history and culture, promote language exchange, and foster personal growth. The program achieved highly positive results. Our primary goal of this trip was to provide American youth with an in-depth understanding of China’s rich history and culture, experience different city lifestyles, and enhance their Chinese language skills. The itinerary focused on “cultural experiences, historical exploration, and city discovery,” including visits to historical sites, traditional performances, community involvement, and interactive activities.

Our first stop was the vibrant capital of China—Beijing. During our stay, we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a joyful community volunteer service, where we worked as young English teachers at a local kindergarten. We also had the honor of presenting certificates to the children, which was a truly memorable moment.

(Community Service)

Additionally, we visited a renowned local high school for an exciting school exchange. The students kicked off the activities with energetic sports competitions, including tennis matches, sports games, table tennis, and soccer. The lively and friendly atmosphere quickly brought everyone closer together. Following the sports activities, we spent joyful moments in the classroom, engaging in meaningful communication, participating in a hands-on craft class, and even making traditional Zongzi—the delicious rice dumplings for Dragon Boat Festival.

(School Exchange Visit)

The most cherished part of the trip was the bonds formed with new friends through school exchanges and cultural interactions. Besides the dynamic activities, Beijing’s rich history and culture enthralled us. We explored the majestic Great Wall and the magnificent Forbidden City. In a traditional courtyard house, we listened to stories from the Qing Dynasty and learned about porcelain appraisal. Of course, we couldn’t leave without tasting the famous Beijing Roast Duck, which was absolutely delicious.

(The Great Wall)

(The Forbidden  City)

    (Visit Peiking Roste Duck Kitchen)

Next stop was ancient city——Xi’an. We also had a fascinating experience with China’s cutting-edge transportation technology. We took a high-speed bullet train, which can reach speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour. Traveling at such incredible speed, we witnessed firsthand how China has advanced in modern transportation, making travel faster, more efficient, and more comfortable.

In Xi’an, we had an unforgettable experience cycling on the ancient city wall, which is one of the best-preserved and most historically significant city walls in China, dating back hundreds of years. Riding freely along the wall, we felt the boundless joy of exploration, as old and new collided in a fascinating blend of history and modernity. We also dressed in traditional Tang Dynasty costumes and strolled through Xi’an’s most famous and bustling street filled with Tang-style architecture. This immersive walk allowed us to step back in time, experiencing the vibrant social atmosphere of China over a thousand years ago. At the renowned NPC district, we enjoyed spectacular performances of Tang-era music and dance, bringing history vividly to life.

No visit to Xi’an would be complete without tasting its famous local delicacies. We savored delicious Chinese-style burgers and Biangbiang noodles at Rehai Street, renowned for its authentic flavors. Finally, we visited the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the starting point of the Silk Road, where we learned how ancient traders and cultures managed to exchange goods, ideas, and influences despite the limitations of transportation at the time. This visit offered a deep insight into the bustling cross-cultural interactions that shaped China’s historical and cultural landscape.

In Chengdu, we had the delightful opportunity to encounter the adorable giant pandas up close. We participated in a panda volunteer program, where we helped prepare food for the pandas, including cutting fresh bamboo and learning about their dietary habits. Through this hands-on experience, we gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this lovable species, as well as the efforts to protect and conserve them.

 

Besides our panda encounters, we enjoyed tasting the famous Sichuan hotpot, which was both spicy and flavorful, truly showcasing Sichuan’s rich culinary tradition. In the evenings, we watched a mesmerizing face-changing (Bian Lian) performance, where performers swiftly and skillfully changed masks, leaving us amazed at their talent and the cultural richness of Sichuan.

Our time in Chengdu was filled with adorable animal experiences, delicious food, and vibrant cultural performances, making it a truly memorable part of our journey.

 

Key Highlights and Achievements

  1. In-Depth Cultural Experiences:
    Participants visited The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Terracotta Army, experiencing China’s imperial history firsthand. Hands-on activities such as making miniature terracotta warriors, traditional Hanfu dressing, and experiencing Mask-changing Opera allowed students to immerse themselves fully in Chinese culture.
  2. Interactive Exchange Activities:
    The program facilitated interactions with local students and teachers, including classroom visits, community volunteer work, and market bargaining exercises, significantly enhancing students’ language skills and cross-cultural understanding.
  3. City Exploration and Natural Beauties:
    Participants explored iconic landmarks in Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu, including ancient city walls, Muslim Quarters, and panda bases. The experience of taking China’s high-speed railway showcased China’s rapid modernization.
  4. Traditional and Cultural Heritage:
    Special arrangements included cultural relic experiences, traditional crafts, and intangible cultural heritage performances, allowing students to appreciate the essence of Chinese culture and inspire cultural preservation.

Throughout the trip, we led students to explore important historical sites and cultural landmarks， make sure we provide the best, most enriching, and customized experience by our arrangements. With the successful completion of this program, we not only provided students with unforgettable learning experiences but also built a bridge of mutual understanding, communication, and friendship between Chinese and American youth. This valuable journey will be remembered as a meaningful milestone in their lives and a solid foundation for future exchanges and collaborations.