American and Chinese Youth Unite Through Cultural Exchange in Xiamen

Deepening Ties Between America and China: A Cultural Journey in Xiamen

In July 2025, a group of 27 students and teachers from Baltimore, Maryland, and Orange County, California, embarked on a transformative journey to Xiamen, a vibrant coastal city in Fujian province, China. This initiative, known as the U.S. Youth Ambassadors in Xiamen program, focused on fostering mutual understanding and friendship among participating American and Chinese youth.

One of the standout participants, Nyiobhe Anxe Reyes from Bard High School Early College, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I always knew China is great, but after this trip, it really feels like home. I want to tell my family they have to come and experience this culture and diversity for themselves." This sentiment encapsulates the primary goal of the program: to create lasting connections and friendships.

The exchange took place from July 17 to July 22, culminating in activities that showcased the natural beauty and ecological efforts of Xiamen. On July 19, participants visited the Wuyuanwan Wetland Park, often referred to as the "green lung" of the city. This excursion aimed to highlight the importance of ecological conservation, particularly through the wetland bird protection initiative. Participants engaged in hands-on experiences, learning about Xiamen's ongoing efforts in urban planning and ecological restoration.

Many students were amazed by the transformations that Wuyuan Bay and Yundang Lake have undergone since the mid-1980s. Once polluted and overlooked, these areas are now celebrated for their rich biodiversity and restored natural beauty. Janelli Moriah Gonzalez, another student from Bard High School, remarked, "What has impressed me the most is definitely the wildlife here. Learning that there are over 500 different species of animals or different birds here is very impressive."

The students didn't just observe nature; they also contributed to it. Together, they planted "friendship trees" during their visit—a symbolic gesture to cement the bonds formed on this trip. Reyes noted, "I found planting the trees here meaningful because it gives us a chance to explore more of the Chinese community and also gives us a chance to leave our roots here."

Chelsea Nakabayashi, an educator from Bard High School, also participated in the event and reflected on the students' immersion in the local culture, despite the intense heat of 34 degrees Celsius. She stated, "[The American students] just got right to work. They really appreciated the opportunity to engage." The experience resonated deeply with her as she has a long history with China, dating back to the 1980s when she began learning Chinese and visited for the first time.

This cultural expedition is not only about youth engagement; it’s rooted in history. In the mid-1980s, Baltimore established a sister-city relationship with Xiamen, a move that has since fostered numerous exchanges and collaborative projects. Nakabayashi explained, "This effort of people-to-people exchange never changes. Even if it slows at times, it always returns. That's the one constant in our (U.S.-China) relationship."

In a climate where political tensions occasionally overshadow cultural ties, the voices of these students provide reassurance. Nakabayashi shared her hopes that participants will return to the U.S. as advocates for open dialogue. "Parents worry about sending their children to China, especially given the concerns shaped by our media. But the students who've already been here have become strong advocates, telling their friends, 'It's okay. You should come. You'll love it.' This advocacy is crucial for maintaining the relationship between our countries."

Despite differences, the essence of this cultural exchange lies in creating connections that transcend borders. As these young ambassadors return home, they carry with them not just memories but also the seeds of friendship that, much like the trees they planted, will continue to grow and flourish. It is a hopeful reminder that, through the lens of cultural understanding, the future can be brighter.

The Xiamen journey represents more than just a trip; it signifies an ongoing journey towards deeper mutual understanding and respect, telling a story that bridges cultures and builds a foundation for a shared future.