The China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) recently welcomed students from The Hotchkiss School, a U.S. independent secondary school, to China for a cultural exchange visit. The delegation travelled across Beijing, Chengdu, and Hong Kong, exploring landmarks and experiencing cultural activities, including Sichuan face-changing and shadow puppetry. They also connected with local Chinese students through sports and conversation, creating opportunities for meaningful exchange and mutual understanding.

CUSEF Vice Chairman Andy Tung and President James Chau received the students at the Foundation's office in Hong Kong. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Chau emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, stating, "Human connections don’t make the disagreements disappear, but they make it much harder for mistrust to become permanent. That’s what CUSEF exists to do – to create spaces where people can meet, listen, and start to trust each other.”

The students also shared reflections from their journey, including their impressions of Chinese cuisine, their experiences connecting with peers through sports, and their multi-dimensional perspectives on China and people-to-people connections.

Andy Tung (L), Vice Chairman of CUSEF, and James Chau (R), President of CUSEF, engage in a live dialogue with students at the CUSEF Hong Kong office.

Students watch recap videos from their time in Beijing and Chengdu at the CUSEF office.

Students visit Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District and enjoy the Victoria Harbor waterfront.

Students at Hong Kong’s historic Man Mo Temple, Sheung Wan.

Students visit the Forbidden City in Beijing.

In Beijing, students visit the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People and participate in cultural activities.

Students engage with local high school peers in Beijing, playing basketball together.

Students engage with local high school peers in Chengdu, playing table tennis together.

Students visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to learn about conservation efforts and observe giant pandas up close.

While in Chengdu, students enjoy a hands-on experience with traditional shadow puppetry.

Students in Chengdu enjoy a renowned Sichuan face-changing performance.

With Sichuan opera practitioners leading them, students don traditional costumes and experience the performance tradition firsthand.