To foster a new generation of envoys for China-US friendship, our university held the 2026 China-US Youth Mind Sports Study Tour & Exchange themed Learning and Practicing in Hebei, Promoting Civilization Exchange, Chasing Dreams with Wisdom, Embarking on a New Journey from May 19 to 26. A total of 35 teachers and students from San Francisco State University, George Washington High School and other U.S. institutions traveled across the ocean to Hebei. Over eight days, they engaged in cultural studies, sports activities, art experiences and mind sports competitions with teachers and students of our university, forging cross-border friendship and discussing the future of youth.

During the event, U.S. teenagers experienced the profound heritage and artistic charm of Chinese education on campus. At the School of Teacher Education, Chinese and American teachers and students interacted around traditional Chinese painting and dance. The U.S. participants appreciated traditional Chinese aesthetics through painting and felt the glamour of Eastern culture via dance performances. They also visited the 2026 graduation art exhibition of our College of Fine Arts and Design at Shijiazhuang Art Museum, exchanging creative ideas with graduating students. They spoke highly of the originality and vitality showcased by young Chinese artists.

Coinciding with the event was the 2026 Belt and Road Mass Sports Series — International Youth Brainpower Sports Open Tournament. Beyond competitions, U.S. teenagers took part in brainpower sports workshops and master classes to learn relevant knowledge and rapid memorization skills. They chatted with student contestants, sharing training methods and efficient learning tips, as well as campus life in their respective countries. The relaxed exchanges deepened mutual understanding and learning.

Our university also arranged a variety of off-campus study tours for the U.S. guests to learn about China’s development and the time-honored Yanzhao culture. In public welfare football and golf activities, Chinese and American teenagers formed mixed teams, running and cooperating on the pitch to break language barriers through sports. They visited Great Wall New Media Group, experienced the cutting-edge XR studio technology, and joined interesting magic and puzzle games to learn about the integrated development of China’s media industry. They wandered through the ancient city of Zhengding and climbed the Juyongguan Great Wall, feeling the profound roots of Chinese civilization at historic sites. They also explored cultural landmarks including Zhengtai Square, Mixed City Mall and Zhuozhou, experiencing the modern dynamism and diverse charm of Chinese cities where tradition meets modernity.

The study tour left a wonderful and lasting impression on the U.S. teenagers. They said the trip allowed them to witness the unique appeal of traditional Chinese culture and the vigorous momentum of China’s modernization, and build sincere friendship with local teachers and students. "I will take all these precious memories back to the U.S. and share them with my family and friends," one U.S. teenager said emotionally. "I’ve made many lovely Chinese friends. We learned and grew together and had an amazing time. I hope I can come to China again soon."

Civilizations thrive through exchanges, and wisdom shines through collisions. This event marks another successful practice of our university’s featured brand "Learn and Practice in Hebei Civilization" Exchange Plus. It also serves as a vital effort to advance international people-to-people exchanges and build a bridge of friendship between Chinese and American youth. Going forward, our university will uphold the values of openness, inclusiveness and mutual learning. We will further strengthen university-media cooperation and expand international exchange channels. Leveraging culture, art and mind sports as platforms, we will continuously promote friendly interactions between Chinese and American youth, enhance mutual trust and lasting friendship. We will contribute our efforts to national diplomatic undertakings and the construction of a modern, international and beautiful provincial capital city.

(Contributor: International Exchange and Cooperation Center; Writer: Yuan Huafei)