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. 📱💡
