American students and scholars participate in cultural workshops in Chongqing on April 9 as part of a four-day exchange program marking the 85th anniversary of the Flying Tigers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In a bid to foster deeper understanding and strengthen ties between the youth of China and the United States, 106 students and scholars from over 20 American universities have begun a four-day exchange tour in Southwest China's Chongqing.
The 2026 US Youth Sci-tech and Culture Exchange Tour in Chongqing, which started on Thursday, targets people-to-people connections using science and technology, history, and culture. The opening ceremony at Chongqing University set the tone with Chinese paper-cutting and embroidery workshops.
The itinerary also included a visit to the Chongqing University of Chinese Medicine, where participants explored traditional Chinese medicine culture, including therapies, diagnosis, and a form of exercise.
American students and scholars participate in cultural workshops in Chongqing on April 9 as part of a four-day exchange program marking the 85th anniversary of the Flying Tigers. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"It's great, honestly," said Marissa Irene Marcarelli, a senior in computer science at California State University, Long Beach. "We're not taught about your culture and the things you do on a daily basis. The activities were very interactive and helped me better understand contemporary China."
Zhang Qiong, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, said she hoped the visit would foster friendship and mutual trust. "Young people represent infinite possibilities," she said.
The program is also bringing together descendants of the Flying Tigers, an American volunteer group that aided the Chinese Air Force in fighting against Japanese invasion during World War II. Xu Shaoli, president of the American Flying Tigers Friendship Association, encouraged participants to share their China experiences back home. "We can promote the Flying Tigers spirit and pass on this friendship from generation to generation," Xu said.
American students and scholars participate in cultural workshops in Chongqing on April 9 as part of a four-day exchange program marking the 85th anniversary of the Flying Tigers. [Photo by Zhou Peng/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Concluding on Sunday, the program also includes visits to local universities, research institutions, museums, and technology facilities.
The event is guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and jointly organized by the Chongqing People's Association for Cultural Exchanges with Foreign Countries, the World Association of Young Scientists, and the Chongqing Western Returned Scholars Association.
Zhou Peng contributed to this story.
American students and scholars participate in cultural workshops in Chongqing on April 9 as part of a four-day exchange program marking the 85th anniversary of the Flying Tigers. [Photo by Zhou Peng/For chinadaily.com.cn]
American students and scholars participate in cultural workshops in Chongqing on April 9 as part of a four-day exchange program marking the 85th anniversary of the Flying Tigers. [Photo by Zhou Peng/For chinadaily.com.cn]
