From July 1 to July 10, the 2026 U.S. Youth Jiangnan Innovation Exploration Exchange Program, hosted by the College of International Education of Jiaxing University, was successfully held. More than 40 young participants from the United States visited Jiaxing, Suzhou, and Shanghai, where they explored Chinese culture and witnessed the country's remarkable development through a rich program of city exploration, cultural experiences, technology visits, youth exchanges, and home-stay activities.

During the cultural experience section, participants strolled through Xizha Scenic Area in Wuzhen and visited the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, appreciating the timeless beauty of Jiangnan's canals, classical gardens, and traditional architecture. They also explored Nanhu Scenic Area, Yuehe Historic District, and the Zongzi Culture Museum in Jiaxing, gaining a deeper understanding of the city's rich heritage through its history, Jiangnan culture, and intangible cultural heritage. Through a Tai Chi experience class, they discovered the harmony and wisdom embodied in traditional Chinese martial arts. They also created ceramic mosaic artworks, experiencing firsthand the artistic beauty and cultural significance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

In the technology and innovation section, participants visited the Suzhou Future Sci-Fi Museum and the Panjiabang Drone Training Base. Through immersive interactive exhibitions and hands-on drone flight experiences, they witnessed China's rapid advances in science and technology and learned about emerging industries such as the low-altitude economy and artificial intelligence. During their community engagement activities, the students traveled to Linglong Bay in Shengfeng Village, Jiaxing, where they learned to make the traditional rice cake, explored local specialty industries, and gained insights into China's rural revitalization strategy through the integration of traditional culture and modern rural development.

In the latter part of the program, participants traveled to Shanghai for an urban cultural exploration. They visited the Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Chenghuangmiao Historic Area, and the Greenhouse Garden of the Shanghai World Expo Culture Park. Experiencing the unique blend of history and modernity, tradition and innovation, they witnessed the openness, inclusiveness, and green development of one of China's most international cities, while gaining a deeper understanding of the achievements of Chinese modernization.

One of the highlights of the program was the youth exchange activities. The American participants visited Pinghu Xinhua Aixin Senior High School, where they interacted with Chinese students in classrooms and extracurricular activities, building friendships that transcend the Pacific Ocean. They also stayed with Chinese host families, sharing daily life with their Chinese partners. Through simple moments around the dinner table and heartfelt conversations over tea, they experienced authentic Chinese family life and felt the warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness of the Chinese people.

At the closing ceremony, Ms. Liu Yunchao, Vice Dean of the College of International Education, encouraged the participants to continue serving as young ambassadors of China–U.S. friendship, allowing friendship to bridge oceans and exchanges to shape the future. Representatives of the American delegation, student participants, and volunteers also shared their reflections on the program.

Lucas, a student representative from the United States, remarked:

"Over the past few days, I have not only explored the history of Jiaxing but also discovered the richness of Chinese culture. From Jiaxing to Suzhou, then Pinghu and Shanghai, I witnessed both the ancient heritage and the modern vitality of China. For the first time, I truly understood what 'Jiangnan' means."

His heartfelt words resonated with everyone present. Participants agreed that the journey had not only broadened their international perspectives but had also enabled them to experience a real, open, and dynamic China through firsthand encounters.

"Two Hearts, One Dream" perfectly captured the spirit of this exchange program. Looking ahead, Jiaxing University will continue to leverage its strengths in international education to deepen youth exchanges and cooperation, build distinctive and influential international exchange programs, promote mutual understanding through people-to-people exchanges, foster dialogue among civilizations, and contribute to advancing educational openness, telling China's stories well, and sharing the richness of Chinese culture with the world.