A group of U.S. high school students immersed themselves in Chinese traditional music, architecture and performances on a recent exchange trip to the country from April 17 to April 24.
The Muscatine High School delegation is part a China-initiated program that will invite 50,000 American youths to China within five years for exchanges and study. The delegation is the second batch from the school after a group of 24 students visited in January.
During their visit to north China's Hebei Province, the Iowan Muscatine High School students had the chance to learn ancient Chinese poems, take part in the daily life of residents, and observe giant pandas.
"It's been an amazing experience and it's absolutely unforgettable. It's so sad to me that I won't be able to stay here for longer," said one of the U.S. students.
After flying to Shanghai, the students visited the city's landmark Yuyuan Garden, built over 400 years ago, and said they were amazed with the historic architecture.
"Learning about the history that goes along with it too is so interesting because it's not just a building, and it has such rich history, and it's such importance to the culture that it's amazing to see. The buildings here and the architecture are so detailed and it's so intricate. And I just applaud the Chinese culture for having something so beautiful," said student Colin Enlow Millage.
In Zhujiajiao Old Town, the students were awed by a performance of "Suzhou Pingtan," a form of storytelling and singing ballads in the Suzhou dialect, while appreciating Chinese tea art.
"It's really fun and I really like tea, so it's a really good," a U.S. student said.
"The performance is very beautiful, really awesome to see because this is an experience they won't get otherwise," said a teacher with Muscatine High School.
Chinese, US students forge friendships through diverse exchanges
