Fourteen U.S. students from Utah Tech University recently paired up with some kindergarten children in Yan'an, a city in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to explore China's intangible cultural heritage.
At Moses Kindergarten, the American students partnered with the young ones to try their hands at some traditional Chinese crafts such as tie-dyeing and sewing fragrant sachets.
At Discovery Forest Preschool, laughter filled the air as they turned stone mills to make fresh soy milk and made Hele noodles with a traditional machine, with children enthusiastically showing their American friends how it's done.
"I'm really happy, and these kids are super cute. I truly feel so welcomed. Doing these adorable activities together is so fun. This is my first time making a sachet, and it's such a special experience. We can take home the sachets we've made as gifts," said Mary, a U.S. student.
"I think the big brothers and sisters are so cute! Speaking English with them is really helpful for me," said Xing Ziyi, a kindergarten student.
The event, organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange, is part of a broader five-year initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs.
Such events aim to foster exchange, and deepen mutual understanding between the two nations' younger generations.
"We'll organize more activities like this in the future. It helps children develop a broader horizon," said Yang Nan, principal of Discovery Forest Preschool.
US students, Chinese youngsters explore traditional culture together in Yan'an
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
