Dozens of American students got a taste of some of China's most iconic historical treasures in Beijing on Friday while visiting the country on a cultural and sports exchange tour.
The tour is part of the initiative announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for an exchange and to study over five years.
The Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a true treasure of Chinese history. For many of these American students, climbing the wall was an entirely novel experience and a chance to connect with China's storied history.
"I was super excited to come, but I think actually walking up has put into perspective how much work went into building this wall, and how important it is," said Isabelle, a high school student of the tour group.
Climbing its steep steps is both a challenge and a thrill -- a test of endurance and an unforgettable way to connect with the past.
"It's something that you've never seen before, unless in pictures, but pictures don't even do it justice," said Addison.
"Getting to go up a few steps and looking back and seeing everything behind us, and how the wall just keeps going, and us all being here together to see, that is really cool," said Remy.
"So many stairs. I was going to count them all, but I lost track at 300," said Declan.
After watching their peers in Beijing perform Chinese martial arts, the American students got their own taste of kung fu.
"It's going great. I learned some basic moves, and then I learned how to use the sword. And it's so fun, I'm having a ton of fun," said Haley.
Chinese students were also eager to get to know the young Americans.
"They were enthusiastic and earnest. It was easier than I expected to be able to talk with them," said Wang Yunuo, a student from Beijing No. 10 Middle School.
For these young visitors, this trip is about more than just sightseeing, but is also a chance to make new friends, experience a different culture, and build bridges of understanding between China and the United States.
American students experience Chinese iconic historical treasures in Beijing
A major port in northern Venezuela came under U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of January 3, which caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, destroyed critical medical supplies in a warehouse, and severely impacted centuries-old cultural heritage sites, according to local residents.
The La Guaira Port, a vital hub for imports that support daily life in the region, was heavily damaged during the attack.
Large quantities of medical supplies stored at the port were destroyed. A historic cultural building dating back for some 300 years was also badly damaged by the bombardment.
Residents living near the port recalled the terrifying scenes as explosions shook nearby neighborhoods.
Humberto Bolivar, who lives in a community separated from the port by only a main road, said the blast waves shattered his home's windows, while stray shrapnel struck the water tank on his roof. According to reports, three missiles were fired at the port that night.
Bolivar said that beyond material losses, he is most concerned about the psychological impact on his children, who remain too frightened to leave their home days after the attack.
"The United States invaded our country. The children were frightened. This is not good for them, because it leaves some children with psychological trauma. They do not want to go to school or leave the house, because they are afraid that something worse might happen. We truly do not want this to happen to our country," he said.
Apart from civilian facilities, local cultural heritage site was also affected.
The La Guaira state government building, a structure with nearly 300 years of history and once served as the site of Venezuela's first national customs office, was struck by the force of the explosions.
Windows of the building were shattered, and furniture scattered across the floor.
"As people of La Guaira, we feel deep pain. Our cultural heritage has been bombed. We are living in constant anxiety and suffering, and life can no longer be the same as it was before," said a local named Henry Cumares.
The U.S. side has claimed the airstrikes targeted warehouses allegedly used to store narcotics. However, locals refuted such accusation.
"According to what Donald Trump said, they bombed this place using the excuse that the warehouses here were used to store drugs at the port. But based on the video released by our governor, these warehouses that were burned contained medicine for kidney patients and foods. Many people depend on these supplies to survive. I think the bombing is extremely despicable," said a local resident named Alejandro Capriles.
US strike hits Venezuelan port, wrecking medical supplies, heritage building
