In November 2023, President Xi Jinping announced during his visit to the Unites States that China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. To implement this important initiative, the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) jointly launched the “Bridge of the Future” China-U.S. Youth Exchange Program.

Under the theme of “Build Bridges of Cooperation for a Better Future”, the China-U.S. Youth Friendship Meeting concluded in Beijing recently, with participants from across the United States, including high school and college students, as well as young representatives from various sectors such as education, business, technology, culture, and social organization. With a focus on Beijing’s roles, the youth-oriented meeting aimed to bring the two peoples together through exchanges and mutual learning among youths, thus enhancing mutual trust and achieving common progress.

Appreciating ancient grandeur. The American youth delegation visited the Palace Museum and the Yonghe Lama Temple, where they admired the collections and creative cultural products, immersing themselves in the profound history and contemporary cultural innovations. While climbing the Mutianyu Great Wall, they were impressed by the magnificent architecture and the industrious and resilient Chinese people.

Experiencing technological innovation. In the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), the American youth delegation visited Beijing New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. and Beijing Yizhuang Biomedical Park, among other locations, to learn the real-world application of new energy, intelligent connectivity, biomedicine, augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. Afterward, they headed to the Shougang Fund Industry and Finance Innovation Base, a social platform for youth entrepreneurs in Shougang Park. In communicating with young entrepreneurs, they learned how local youths started their businesses, and how enterprises are incubated and expanded. Introductions on relevant supporting policies and the operation of the platform were also provided.

Exploring Beijing’s development in the new era. At the Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, and Beijing Olympic Museum, the young visitors savored the charm of this “dual Olympic city” while embracing volunteerism through interaction with Olympic Games volunteers. Then they toured the three cultural landmarks in the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMC), i.e. Beijing Performing Arts Center, Beijing Library, and Grand Canal Museum of Beijing, which showcased the perfect blend of the city’s ancient culture and modernity. While roaming the picturesque Siduhe Village and Beigou Village in Bohai Town, Huairou District, they witnessed the achievements of rural revitalization and green development.

The three-day visit was brief but memorable for the American youths. They were deeply impressed by the energetic Chinese peers through conversations. Having made many new friends here, they looked forward to a return visit to enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

Liu Wei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, met with the delegation at the Beijing Library during their visit.

(Edited from the source of China Communist Youth League Beijing Committee)