To mark the 55th anniversary of China-U.S. Ping-Pong Diplomacy, the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) organized an exchange visit to China this April for Judy Hoarfrost — the youngest member of the historic 1971 U.S. table tennis team to China — and nine players from the All Northwest USA Collegiate Table Tennis Team.

The group traveled to Beijing, Shijiazhuang, and Shanghai, participating in a series of commemorative events and engaging in exchanges with local young athletes, carrying forward the spirit of Ping-Pong Diplomacy.

Ms. Hoarfrost, who was just 15 years old when she first visited China with the U.S. team in 1971, returned as a living witness to history. She attended the launch ceremony of the anniversary events at the Capital Indoor Stadium, sharing the stage with Chinese counterparts who experienced the historic moment firsthand. Throughout the trip, Ms. Hoarfrost participated in friendly matches and interactive sessions, demonstrating the power of sports in fostering cross-cultural understanding among the younger generation.

CUSEF also arranged for the visitors to travel to Ningxia, marking the first time a U.S. table tennis group has visited the hinterland of western China. In addition to playing friendly matches with local youth as a tribute to history, the team gained firsthand insights into Ningxia’s rich cultural heritage, unique local industries, and ecological achievements.

Reflecting on the journey, Ms. Hoarfrost said that seeing young people from both countries deepen their understanding and friendship was the greatest reward of her journey.

The 1971 U.S. table tennis team's historic visit to China was the first official American delegation to enter the country in decades, laying the groundwork for the eventual normalization of relations between the two nations.

Premier Zhou Enlai shakes hands with Judy Hoarfrost during the U.S. table tennis delegation's visit to China in 1971.

The All Northwest USA Collegiate Table Tennis Team poses for a group photo at the Great Wall.

The All Northwest USA Collegiate Table Tennis Team poses for a group photo at the Commemoration of 55th Anniversary of China-U.S. Ping-Pong Diplomacy.

Judy Hoarfrost serves the ball at a friendly table tennis match in Ningxia.

Members of the All Northwest USA Collegiate Table Tennis Team take part in a friendly table tennis match in Ningxia.

Members of the All Northwest USA Collegiate Table Tennis Team experience a desert off-road ride in Ningxia.

Members of the table tennis team take part in a fish lantern making workshop.