When American student Kyle Sykes hopped on a plane to China for a university field trip, he didn’t expect to fall head over heels for the country’s vibrant mix of ancient charm and futuristic hustle. From Beijing’s imperial grandeur 🏯 to Shanghai’s neon-lit skyline 🌆, Sykes told CGTN his journey was a masterclass in contrasts—and connection.
“The Great Wall left me speechless, but Shenzhen blew my mind,” he said, describing the city as a “real-life sci-fi movie” with its tech parks and cashless everything. 🚀💸 Yet, it was the warmth of everyday interactions that stuck with him. “People were curious, kind, and eager to share stories—even if we needed translation apps!”
Sykes also praised China’s high-speed rail network (“faster than my Wi-Fi back home!”) and street food that “rewired his taste buds.” 🥟 But his trip wasn’t all dumplings and dragon dances. He critiqued U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods as “politically charged,” warning they hurt more than just wallets. “It’s about relationships,” he added. “We’re more alike than headlines suggest.”
Years later, Sykes still replays memories of strangers-turned-friends. His takeaway? “Human bonds can outlast any trade war.” 💬✨
