When Kyle Sykes, a 21-year-old University of Southern California student, boarded a flight to China for a field trip, he expected ancient temples and skyscrapers. What he didn’t expect? Finding TikTok-worthy friendships 🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸 at every stop.
From Forbidden City to Futuristic Shenzhen
Kyle’s journey spanned Beijing’s imperial palaces 🏯, Shanghai’s neon-lit Bund 🌃, and Shenzhen’s tech hubs 💻—but the real story was in the conversations. "Every coffee shop chat felt like a mini UN summit," he laughs. Locals asked about his favorite Marvel movies, campus life, and how young Americans view cross-cultural ties.
Politics? Nah, Let’s Talk K-Pop
Despite global headlines, Kyle says interactions focused on shared passions: "We bonded over street food, basketball, and BTS fansites. Politics never hijacked the vibe." His WeChat friends list grew faster than a viral dance challenge 🕺.
Why This Matters
As Gen Z reshapes global connections, Kyle’s takeaway hits home: "The world feels smaller when you realize everyone’s just trying to ace exams, impress crushes, and find good WiFi." His advice? Swap stereotypes for selfies—one dumpling date at a time 🥟📸.
