As summer vacation began, 21 Chinese-American teenagers from Illinois and North Carolina in the US embarked on a root-seeking journey in Liaoning Province. The program “‘Colorful Youth, Shared Roots’ — China Tour for Chinese-American Youth from American Sister-State of Liaoning Province” was held in Liaoning, which invited the teenage students to explore Shenyang and Dalian for campus and museum tours, unlocking a cultural journey to retrace their ancestral roots.

At Shenyang University, the participants immersed themselves in Chinese language learning, as well as Peking Opera facial mask painting. These cultural experiences have deepened their cultural identity.

The teenagers also visited Shenyang Hongqiao Junior High School, where they interacted with local students. Students from both countries played a friendly basketball game on the basketball court and sang I Love You, China together in the classroom.

During a visit to the Industrial Museum of China, the teenagers learned about Liaoning’s transformation from a traditional manufacturing base into a hub for intelligent manufacturing. At the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, they explored China’s modern agricultural technologies. They also received emergency first-aid training alongside Chinese students at the Shenyang Red Cross Emergency First Aid Training Base.

The 14-day root-seeking journey has left a deep impression on the Chinese-American teenagers. Many said they hope to serve as bridges and “envoys” of people-to-people exchanges and contribute to stronger cultural ties between China and the US.