Dozens of students from the International School of San Francisco have concluded their 11-day study tour in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, with a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.

The initiative, part of a larger effort following the 2023 San Francisco Summit between China and the United States, aims to facilitate exchanges for 50,000 American teenagers in China over the next five years.

Organized by the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage International Communication Center of Xidian University, the study tour served as an offline extension of the project "Meet the Terra Cotta Warriors and Enter Chinese Culture."

In Xi'an, students translated their online course knowledge into practical experiences. They explored the history of the Qin Dynasty at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, donned Tang and Hanfu costumes at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and immersed themselves in the vibrant Tang Dynasty atmosphere in the "Longest Day In Chang'an " themed district.

"Online courses laid the groundwork for understanding Chinese culture, but the on-site experiences truly brought it to life," shared Alexandra, a student from the U.S.

During the Qingming Festival, students gained insights into Chinese traditions through a homestay experience. Collaborating with Chinese families to make Qingtuan and dumplings, they embraced the warmth of Chinese family customs.

"This trip deepened my understanding of the Qingming Festival," said Atalante, a junior high school student. "My Chinese host family was welcoming, and I learned how to make dumplings while experiencing various cultural customs."

Kenya, the lead teacher, highlighted the transformative cultural exchanges that foster cross-border friendships between American and Chinese teenagers.

Xidian University's Shaanxi Cultural Heritage International Communication Center has successfully executed five YES projects under the "Youth Ambassador Exchange and Learning Plan," serving as a vital platform for cultural exchanges between Chinese and American youth. The university remains committed to developing high-quality cultural exchange programs to facilitate dialogue between China and the United States.

Through vibrant study tours, American high school students gain a nuanced understanding of authentic Chinese culture.