Cultural Exchanges: Harvard students seek deeper understanding of China
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People-to-People exchanges between China and the US have developed positively in 2025. The upcoming Spring Festival serves as an opportunity for students to see and experience Chinese culture firsthand. A group of Harvard students is in China for a nine-day visit. Chen Yilin joins their journey in the city of Hangzhou. 

At the beginning of the new year, over 40 students from Harvard University embarked on a trip to China.

Many of them are from the Kennedy School of Government.

These elite students are seizing every opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of China.

But their trip is not just about academics.

Many are interested in learning more about Chinese culture.

For some, this is not their first visit to China.

I met Allan Cameron, who impressed me with his Mandarin skills.

Allan: "I can speak a little Chinese."

He's a former Major in the United States Air Force and previously spent a year as an exchange student in Nanjing.

ALLAN CAMERON MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School, Former Major, US Air Force "People have been very nice and I've been enjoying my time quite a bit."

Reflecting on China-US relations, he refers to a significant moment in history.

ALLAN CAMERON MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School, Former Major, US Air Force "For the US Air Force coming over the flying tigers and working with the Chinese. I definitely think that's a very important historical legacy that we should always remember. I think that goes well to show that we can both understand and communicate work with each other. So I wanted to be able to help by understanding Chinese perspective and also being able to explain American perspective."

Over a year has passed since China announced its plan to invite 50,000 American youths to visit the country in five years.

Nearly 15,000 young people have visited China.

The outcome has exceeded expectations and has fostered many heartwarming moments of friendship.

The significance of these exchanges also resonates with these students.

LIZ MARIANA VALDEZ GARZA MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School "I do think that have people to people interaction and have people to people understanding of cultures and just languages and history makes everything come to sense and just make realizing that we're not so different and to be able to connect more."

The evening has transformed into a vibrant celebration, ushering in little Chinese New Year!

The dress code?

Traditional Chinese attire.

These students presented their countries in a unique way.

JING DEJUN Chair of the Board, Pacific Plus Group "On this special festival, it feels like a big family gathering. They can experience Chinese culture firsthand. I hope this event could be a bridge to foster friendship and exchanges between nations and cultures."

YIN YI Director, Academic Committee of China Institute of Art and Technology "The participants are all young and full of energy, and the discussions are so open and passionate. I believe our cultural exchanges should be a grand stage for diverse cultures to flourish."

On stage, these students hold a scroll saying "Exchange and Mutual Learning for Shared Development" - words that may resonate with everyone present and a fitting wish for the new year.

Chen Yilin, CGTN, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.