American Youth Dive Into Chinese Culture in Fuzhou Exchange

Hundreds of U.S. students are swapping textbooks for tea ceremonies in Fuzhou, a bustling coastal hub in southeast China, as part of a cultural exchange program. For many, it’s their first glimpse into a country they’ve only seen through social media snippets and viral videos. Spoiler alert: It’s nothing like their TikTok FYP.

From learning calligraphy strokes to slurping banmian (板面) noodles, participants describe the trip as 'eye-opening.' 'I thought China was all skyscrapers and tech,' said 19-year-old Lila from Texas, 'but the parks here feel like living paintings.' Others raved about Fuzhou’s night markets, where stinky tofu battles bubble tea for snack supremacy.

The initiative aims to build bridges between young people across the Pacific. 'When you share a laugh over dumpling-making, politics fades into the background,' said program coordinator Zhang Wei. Organizers hope these interactions will spark lasting curiosity – and maybe a few Mandarin Duolingo streaks.

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Across mountains and seas: American youth's first experience in China

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