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Chinese and American students perform chorus at the China-US shared journey of friendship youth exchange event on July 12, 2024 in Shanghai. Photo: Chen Xia/GT

 
The "Shared Journey of Friendship" US Youth Exchange Delegation's visit to Shanghai is coming to an end, and a China-US shared journey of friendship youth exchange event was held in Shanghai on Friday, where Chinese and American students exchanged their observations and feelings, as well as putting on performances.

The US youth exchange delegation consists of around 190 teachers and students from 14 schools in seven states across the US. They have visited Beijing, Shijiazhuang, North China’s Hebei Province, Fuzhou, East China’s Fujian Province, and Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province, interacting with local Chinese students, and feeling the modern pulse of the country. 

“This is a chance for us to practice our Chinese language skills and enhance our cultural understanding,” Kara Sung from North Niles High School in the US said at the exchange event. During the trip, they learned more about Chinese culture as well as some culture gaps such as the education differences, said Sung.

"We were all curious about each other's countries' cultures, and the difference in language did not limit our friendship. Sincerity and friendliness opened our hearts,” Han Jiaxin, a student from the high school affiliated with Fudan University, who participated in an interactive event with the US students, told the Global Times.

“During these days in Shanghai, you may have found that Shanghai is not only safe, clean, and convenient, but also a dream land for young people to study, start their careers, and live,” Chen Jing, president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said at the exchange event. “I also hope that our Chinese and international young students can strengthen communication, deepen friendship, and become ambassadors of people-to-people friendship.”  

Students check exhibits from different countries at the “mini world expo” held on July 12, 2024 in Shanghai. Photo: Chen Xia/GT

 
Kong Fu'an, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People's Government, announced the opening of the “mini world expo” on Friday afternoon. The expo, which features exhibits and performances from various countries, was intended to bring young people together to celebrate diversity and foster understanding. 

It’s one part of the 10-day 18th Shanghai International Youth Interactive Friendship Camp. 

Dorina Inges from the Hungarian-Chinese bilingual school in Hungary told the Global Times on Friday that they brought school brochures, local snacks, fridge magnets, wristbands, and some other products made in Hungary to display at the booth in the expo. “We would like to introduce the unique features of our country and also learn about the cultural characteristics of other countries,” Inges said.

At the UAE’s booth, students offered dates, snacks and local coffee. Hand-painted fans with panda designs were very popular at the China booth, with many students hoping to get one.