China is implementing this year's first pickleball people-to-people exchange activity for U.S. university students, giving a group of young Americans the chance to experience Chinese culture first-hand while enjoying the popular paddle sport.
The first part of the activity ended this week in he capital Beijing, with the second stage ongoing in the southern city of Guangzhou. It comes as China advances its plan to invite 100,000 young Americans to the country for exchanges and study over the next five years.
China first announced a five-year initiative to invite 50,000 American youths starting in November 2023, with that target being met two and a half years ahead of schedule earlier this year. Following Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the U.S. last month, a new plan to invite 100,000 young Americans over the next five years was unveiled.
The pickleball activity saw about 30 U.S. college students touring Beijing as part of the people-to-people exchange program, where they played against their Chinese peers and soon struck up a bond with their opponents on the court.
"It's been a lot of fun, he's really good, and I'm not as good. But he was able to help me a lot on the court," said Jaden Flanery, a student from the University of Missouri, referring to Peking University student Jiang Shiliangchen with whom he was partnered.
"After we got acquainted, we had a good connection, we found a lot of things we had in common. We both like food, we both play sports, it was really fun on the court with her," said Jasmine John, a student at the Northern Marianas College in Saipan, who teamed up with Peking University student Du Yuanyuan.
Beyond taking part in the friendly matches, the U.S. students also explored some of Beijing's historic landmarks, technology hubs and urban renewal projects.
"It's amazing, very beautiful architecture. It's wonderful, very beautiful," said Gerald Dixon, head of the U.S. university student pickleball exchange delegation to China, when visiting the city's Temple of Heaven.
"I really enjoy history, so this is something I think is very interesting," said Jaiden Newton, a student from the Millersville University in Pennsylvania.
"It's so beautiful, it's very serene, and peaceful, and I love that I'm getting so much history about China and again, this wonderful sacred piece of land," said Jacqueline Lopez, an alumna of Fordham University.
Away from the more traditional sightseeing focused on the historical past, the youngsters also got a glimpse of the future as they headed to Zhongguancun, one of China's leading hubs for sci-tech innovation.
Many of the students were delighted to have the chance to visit the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center, where they got an up-close look at some of the latest innovations.
"It was exciting to see this, because I'm a Computer Science major, and showing the chips and everything, I was excited to see what kind of improvements or innovations they have here. My hope is just to be surprised," said Samsong Tamang, another student at Millersville University.
Reflecting on the connections they have made, the students say they have had their eyes opened following this exchange experience.
"When I first landed, and meeting all these new people, everyone is very friendly. I feel comfortable talking to everyone, I feel comfortable asking questions and meeting new people," said Jasmine John.
"It's friendship, we have a lot of communication about cultures or sports, and that's very meaningful," said Jiang Shiliangchen.
"Coming here just further strengthens my positive outlook on everybody globally. I think we are all humans, and we all deserve to be connected with one another, and that's a very valuable tool that everyone has the ability to get connected if they try to just go that extra mile sometimes, and strive for new connections," said Jaden Flanery.
Some are even hoping for a reunion with their new friends in the future.
"She's (Jasmine John) really good at this, and I feel like my skills held us back a little. I'll practice more when I get back, and hopefully we'll have another chance to meet," said Du Yuanyuan.
"Friendship between two countries cannot be limited by the language barrier, because it depends on friendship and the bond that we are able to connect and form with each other. China is very welcoming, very friendly, and so one day, I recommend [everyone] to visit and come and see what it's about," said Jasmine John.
US students experience China as pickleball activity serves up people-to-people exchanges
