The sixth edition of "My China Album" — which records Americans' experiences in China — is about to be released online and offline.
The latest installment includes four short video episodes and a video feature collectively themed "My China Footprints".
Respectively titled "My City, My Home", "Welcome to the Future", "China: Misconceptions vs Reality", "City or not City", and "My China Footprints", the five videos dive deep into the heart of China, exploring its long history, modern life and inviting policy, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the US and China.
Audiences are invited to journey through cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Tianjin, Lanzhou and Dunhuang, with each location offering a unique tapestry of experiences — from cutting-edge technologies to ancient traditions.
"My China Album" interweaves diverse narratives of Americans finding their place in China, marveling at technological advancements, challenging stereotypes, and forging connections through cultural exploration and educational exchange.
Brief introduction of stories featured in this version：New 'My China Album' captures moving stories
Charles Stone, a lawyer featured in the video, describes his surprise at "how much nature there was in a big city like Shenzhen". He also praises the city's safety.
Frank Stonier, an educator from the US state of Georgia, found his calling in Chongqing, where he is dedicated to promoting science programs among young people.
Neil Schmid, a Virginian researcher who has dedicated the past seven years of his life to studying the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, in Northwest China's Gansu province, expresses his profound connection to the site. "I think it's a site that needs several lifetimes to really understand."
The series also delves into everyday experiences with China's futuristic technology, emphasizing how Americans readily embrace the convenience and efficiency it offers.
"I love QR codes, just scanning the QR codes to pay for anything," shares Ruthie, an American student studying in Chongqing. She also expresses admiration for the streamlined mobile payment systems, allowing for easy transfer of funds between different apps.
Bee Rose, an American content creator living in Beijing, is particularly impressed with the high-speed rail network. As a mom, she admits initial uncertainty fueled by negative media portrayals, but her fears dissipate as she embraces the rich culture and diverse peoples.
Dustin Madison, who moved his family to Shenzhen, was pleasantly surprised by the city's child-friendly environment. He highlights the well-designed infrastructure and interactive learning opportunities available for children.
Katherine, an environmental worker, recalls seeing alarming reports about pollution in China. However, her own observations reveal a different reality. "Wherever I go in the country, there's always so many parks, so many green spaces."
The series further captures the spirit of exploration and cultural immersion fostered by China's improved visa-free transit policy.
Lancaster, a retired teacher from California, began her adventure in Beijing, where she was captivated by the city's blend of history and modernity. Her visit to a traditional Hutong home left a lasting impression, highlighting the "incredible ingenuity" of the culture.
In 2024, China and the US celebrated 45 years of diplomatic ties, the stories of young Americans who visited China for study or exchange programs, decades of ongoing bilateral cooperation on giant panda conservation, and more. All are recorded in the sixth "My China Alum" series.
A highlight of this renewed cooperation is the "YES" (Youth Exchange and Study) program under President Xi Jinping's "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, which has enabled 16,000 American students to visit and study in China.
The program has fostered cultural understanding and friendship between young people from both countries. One student shared the experience, stating, "We were talking about universities together and studying, so that was like one week that we connected."
"China is just so incredible," another American student exclaims.
Beyond education, the two countries also have revived decades of ongoing panda conservation programs, a significant symbol of goodwill between the nations.
The initiatives have not only strengthened ties between the Chinese and American people but also injected a much-needed sense of stability and certainty into the global landscape.
As President Xi says in his speeches featured in this video, "The hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels."
"My China Album" is jointly produced by the Chinese embassy in the US and China Daily.
