Recently, an Sino-US youth cultural exchange event themed "Embark on a Cultural Journey, Experience Chinese Culture" was held at Qingsu Vocational Secondary School in Chengdu's Qingyang District. Students and teachers from Oregon High School, USA, joined their Qingyang counterparts for a day-long immersive exploration of Chinese culture. Leveraging the "Pandas Roam the World" curriculum, the activity used intangible cultural heritage skills and Sichuan traditions as mediums to build a bridge of cultural dialogue spanning the Pacific Ocean.

Event site

During the event's warm-up session, the enchanting vocals and lively performance of The Cuckoo Bird Sings "Coo Coo" – a piece from Sichuan Qingyin（A traditional Sichuan vocal art form originating in the Qing Dynasty and sung in Chengdu dialect with distinct rhyming patterns）, China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage – instantly ignited the atmosphere. Mr. Zhang Tao, Party Secretary of the Qingsu Vocational Secondary School's Party Committee, presented the U.S. delegation with a commemorative panda-themed Shu embroidery piece. In return, the American representatives gifted the school with commemorative T-shirts, marking a symbolic gesture of cultural exchange between China and the United States.

American students practice the art of pouring tea with the iconic long-spout copper kettle

Under the watchful guidance of their instructor, the American students practiced the art of pouring tea with the iconic long-spout copper kettle, immersing themselves in the distinctive charm of Sichuan's tea culture with palpable enthusiasm.

American teachers and students try tie-dye

In the tie-dye workshop, American teachers and students gained a firsthand appreciation for the distinctive artistry of China's traditional craftsmanship through the captivating interplay of color and fabric.

American students show off newly crafted tie-dye tote bag

"This is my first time trying tie-dye, but I absolutely loved it—the whole process was so much fun!" beamed American student Darby Wheatley, enthusiastically showing off her newly crafted tie-dye tote bag to the group.

American students learn to make iconic Chengdu specialties

In the Chinese pastry arts workshop, American students crafted iconic Chengdu specialties—steamed dumplings, fresh pork soup dumplings, and leaf-wrapped glutinous rice dumplings (Ye’erba)—under the tutelage of a master instructor. Through this sensory journey of taste, they gained a tangible understanding of the enduring Chinese culinary philosophy: "Food is the paramount necessity of the people."