US students try their hand at dragon dancing. [Photo/jesie.org]

A total of 307 teachers and students from seven US states visited Jiangsu in groups from May 25 to June 27 to participate in the 2025 Discover Jiangsu American Youth Exchange Program.

Through campus visits, sports activities, cultural workshops, university lectures, and tours of high-tech companies, participants gained a deeper understanding of Jiangsu's rich culture, advanced educational practices, thriving economy, and beautiful nature.

In Nanjing, Chinese and US youths interacted through basketball games, dragon dancing, rubbings, tie-dyeing, bamboo weaving, calligraphy, and Chinese knotting, blending traditional crafts with growing friendships.

In Wuxi, students from Utah explored Dangkou Ancient Town and the Grand Canal, appreciating the tranquil beauty of water towns. They also took part in a cultural festival, trying their hands at cloisonne enamel art, paper cutting, fan making, zongzi wrapping, and tai chi – allowing them to experience the vitality of traditional Chinese culture.

US students learn the art of flower arrangement. [Photo/jesie.org]

In Xuzhou, students from Massachusetts were drawn into local life on their first night by joining public square dances. At Xuzhou No 1 High School, they learned Baduanjin, a form of tai chi exercise, and at China University of Mining and Technology, they attended interactive lectures and explored rare minerals, deepening their knowledge of the city.

In Changzhou, students from Northern California explored the natural beauty of Tianmu Lake and visited schools during the Dragon Boat Festival, where they made zongzi and enjoyed dragon boat races.

In Nantong, students from Pennsylvania listened to lectures at the Fan Zeng Art Museum, collected clams on tidal flats, and enjoyed night tours of Haohe River.

In Yancheng, participants visited wetlands, watched milu deer and red-crowned cranes, and learned about sea salt culture. At local schools, they attended classes in physics and English, paper cutting, and embroidery. At the Yancheng Institute of Technology, they observed Formula racing training and visited industry-education integration showcases.

US students learn bamboo weaving. [Photo/jesie.org]

In Zhenjiang, teachers and students from Alabama and Florida explored the Vinegar Culture Museum, Jiaoshan Stone Inscriptions, Pearl S. Buck Memorial Hall, discovering the city's historical charm. Traditional crafts, tea-making, and fruit-picking further enriched their cultural experiences.

The Discover Jiangsu International Youth Exchange Program has welcomed over 3,000 young people from around the world over the past decade.