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.

 

11-Day Detailed Itinerary

Day Location Morning Afternoon
1-2 Beijing Arrive in Beijing, check into hotel Explore Kuanzhai Alley
3 Beijing Visit Palace Museum Climb Jingshan Park, view Forbidden City; Explore Nanluoguoxiang Hutong
4 Beijing Visit local High School (Cultural Communication) Visit Temple of Heaven Park
5 Beijing Visit Great Wall Bullet train to Xi’an
6 XI‘an Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Terra Cotta Warrior Clay Figurine DIY
7 Xi’an Orphanage Volunteer Service Music Fountain show & Tang Dynasty Never Nights City
8  Chengdu Bullet Train to Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Museum & Cooking Class
9  Chengdu Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project Kuanzhai Alley & Jinli Old Street, Sichuan Hot Pot
10  Chengdu Wenshuyuan, drink Chengdu big bowl tea & enjoy Fast Mask-changing opera Guandu Ancient Town; Travel to Dali
11 Chengdu Depart from China
 

Community Service: Touching Hearts in Beijing

* Imagine the smiles on the children’s faces as we stepped into their kindergarten, ready to share our love for the English language! We weren’t just teaching; we were making friends and bringing joy. The highlight was presenting the children with their certificates – it felt amazing to recognize their hard work and be a part of their learning journey. This experience taught us the power of giving back and connecting with others, even if we don’t speak the same language fluently.

 

School Exchange Visit: Bridging Cultures, Building Friendships

* The school exchange in Beijing was like stepping into a whole new world! The energy during the sports competitions was incredible – we were playing tennis, table tennis, soccer, and laughing together. Suddenly, language barriers melted away, and we we

re just teammates, pushing each other to do our best. Inside the classroom, we dived into meaningful communication and a fun-filled craft session. Making traditional Zongzi together for the Dragon Boat Festival was so cool – learning about the history and culture behind this delicious treat made us feel like we were truly connecting with our Chinese peers. We realize

d that friendship knows no borders and that learning about different cultures is incredibly enriching.

 

Cultural Experiences: A Feast for the Senses

Beijing: Stepping into a traditional courtyard house in Beijing was like traveling back in time. Listening to stories from the Qing Dynasty and learning how to identify precious porcelain gave us a new appreciation for Chinese history and artistry. And let’s not forget the Beijing Roast Duck – the crispy skin, the tender meat…it was a culinary masterpiece!


Xi’an: Dressing up in traditional Tang Dynasty costumes and strolling through Xi’an felt like becoming part of a historical drama. We were transported to a time of emperors, silk robes, and vibrant markets.

Chengdu: The spicy, flavorful Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu was an adventure for our taste buds! And the mesmerizing face-changing (Bian Lian) performance…how did those performers switch masks so quickly?! It was a thrilling showcase of Sichuan artistry.

 

Historical Sites: Unveiling the Past, Inspiring the Future

Beijing: Standing on the Great Wall filled us with awe. It was mind-blowing to think about how this incredible structure was built centuries ago and how it has witnessed so much history. Walking through the Forbidden City felt like entering a royal palace, imagining the emperors and empresses who once called it home.
Xi’an: Biking on the ancient city wall was an unforgettable experience. We had a panoramic view of the city, feeling the blend of history and modernity all around us.

We experienced High-speed bullet train: witnessing how China has advanced in modern transportation, making travel faster, more efficient, and more comfortable

 

 

 

Past-case Highlights

 

Topic Key Activities
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.
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.
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.
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.