Some U.S. high school students from the state of Utah recently visited the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, the late Honorary President of China, in Beijing, where they experienced China's national-level intangible cultural heritage and gained a more vivid understanding of China.

As part of an initiative of the "50,000 in 5 Years" announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his 2023 visit to San Francisco, the Sino-U.S. Youth People-to-People Exchange Camp took place in the Chinese capital from March 30 to April 2, with 37 teachers and students from two high schools in Utah visiting China.
The initiative seeks to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over five years.
During a four-day event, high school students from both countries engaged in a series of cultural exchange activities centered on science and technology education, sports, and arts.
At the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, the U.S. students personally used the lacquer craft, a national-level intangible cultural heritage skill passed down for more than 1,000 years, to make bag charms, getting firsthand knowledge about China's fine traditional culture.
For most of the American students, this is their first time to China. Although many of them have been learning Chinese for years, the face-to-face communication this time helped them get a more vivid understanding of China.
"My daughter is a WeChat friend now with her study buddy from yesterday and I hope that they stay in touch. So I hope that this generation grows up knowing Chinese people, and understanding the culture and having an opportunity to strengthen those ties," said Keith White, a parent of a high school student from Utah's Alpine School District.
"The students were quite surprised as soon as they arrived. It turned out that China is not like what they had known. So they like it very much. And it's well worth their visit because they need knowledge in this regard, and most Americans really don't understand China and don't have the chance to come. So I hope this kind of communication can enhance the relationship between us and also improve some Americans' views on China," said a teacher from Lone Peak High School.