"Smart Shanghai · Cultural Heritage in Hearts," a cultural immersion journey for overseas teenagers, recently concluded successfully at Tianhua College of Shanghai Normal University. Over the course of 10 days, the U.S. youth delegation visited Shanghai's cultural landmarks, technology companies, and campus classrooms to experience firsthand the charm of Chinese culture and the dynamism of China's innovation sector.
At the opening ceremony of the 5-26 event, more than 20 American youth witnessed firsthand the fusion of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and modern technology. Humanoid robots performed martial arts integrated with AI technology, while intelligent guide robots showcased campus life, enabling international youth to gain a clear understanding of Chinese universities' operations and educational philosophies.
During the study tour, intangible cultural heritage activities such as calligraphy creation, traditional incense pendant making, and mother-of-pearl inlay art experiences allowed overseas youth to feel the unique charm and deep roots of China's excellent traditional culture through hands-on practice. Jenna Marie Polgar, a student at Concordia University Irvine, remarked, "Doing it with your own hands is completely different from reading about it in books. This experience opened a window for me to understand China."
The itinerary also includes a cultural heritage trail. The U.S. youth delegation visited Xu Guangqi Park and Xujiahui Library to explore the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures; strolled along Duolun Road and Zhang Yuan to experience the open and inclusive spirit of Shanghai's unique culture; and toured Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to discover the folk traditions of Jiangnan water towns.
Science and technology innovation study tours are a key focus of this China-U.S. youth exchange program. The delegation visited the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town to observe cutting-edge AI technologies and their industrial applications firsthand, gaining insights into China's science and tech industry development layout and innovation momentum.
During the study tour, Chinese and American youth engaged in open dialogue and in-depth exchange on diverse themes such as cultural customs, education development, and lifestyles. Through intellectual exchanges, they built consensus and forged friendships. Yanni Cardis, a student from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shared, "Before coming here, my impression of China was mostly based on what I saw on screens. After arriving, I found it to be more vivid and everyday than I imagined. What I see is a vibrant, friendly, inclusive, and continuously developing China." Zheng Yiting, a volunteer from Tianhua University, noted that the complementary perspectives of youth from both countries inspire each other. This two-way exchange has not only deepened international understanding but also helped young people from both nations grow through mutual learning and借鉴.
Xu Yue, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, stated that promoting understanding through practice and fostering mutual acquaintance through experience can effectively help overseas youth understand Chinese culture and enhance diversity and inclusivity. The university will continue to establish a normalized and long-term exchange platform for Sino-US youth learning from and drawing inspiration from each other, enabling overseas young people to know China, understand China, and contribute youthful energy to high-quality development of people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign countries in the new era.