A group of young Americans are getting closer with Chinese pals through fun activities at the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival," which started on Monday in Fuzhou, the provincial capital of Fujian in east China.
Over 500 representatives from the two countries engaged in in-depth exchanges and enhanced their friendship.
Kuliang, or Guling in mandarin, was a popular summer resort for expatriates in Fuzhou more than a century ago. It is also a place that witnesses the deepening bond between Chinese and American people ever since a number of U.S. citizens began living in the place.
A special activity was held on Wednesday as part of the youth exchange program, which includes a pop quiz, an attempt at voice-acting and a panel discussion.
"I hope the young people get their creative juices flowing and do something fun. It's fun to have friends in another culture," said Elyn MacInnis, an American researcher studying the history and culture of Kuliang.
MacInnis, also known by her Chinese name Mu Yanling, is an enthusiastic advocate of U.S.-China friendship. Her bond with China dates back to her father-in-law Donald MacInnis, a Flying Tigers veteran who fell in love with China during World War II and later settled his family in Kuliang.
"I think communication is always the reason why we progress as humanity. For young people to go to the U.S., and young people from the U.S. to come to China, to understand and to talk with local people is actually a great way of promoting the relationship in general," said Huang Ye, music director of the JALCSH Big Band from Shanghai.
In a key part of the youth exchange program, the young Chinese and Americans witnessed the global release of the radio drama series "Echoes of Kuliang," which was produced by China Global Television Network.
The radio drama presents a story of friendship between a Chinese and an American family in Kuliang over the past century.
"Friendship is forever in that if you share your love, not just with you, but with the community and with the country, you're making an influence that does indeed last forever," said MacInnis.
During their week-long stay in Fuzhou, the young Americans also went on a scavenger hunt, planted friendship trees and attended a youth bazar, side by side with their Chinese counterparts.
"The future of China-U.S. relations lies in the younger generation. So, this is why we put together such a big event for young people of both countries to join in. This is our biggest hope, and we will do our utmost with our partners in both countries to realize this goal," said Shen Xin, secretary-general of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, a national organization engaged in people-to-people exchanges with other countries.
Fuzhou starts Kuliang China-U.S. Youth Festival
Fuzhou starts Kuliang China-U.S. Youth Festival
