Beijing Review: The Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program concluded in Shanghai.

BEIJING, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 22, the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program officially came to a close in Shanghai.

At the closing ceremony, 25 Chinese and American university students, brought together by the International Student Conferences' 5th China-America Student Conference, came together to revisit their 16-day journey in China—through presentations and shared reflections.

While in Shanghai, the delegates visited Fudan University's China Institute, where they engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the future of China-U.S. relations with Professor Zhang Weiwei.

They also visited the U.S.-China Business Council's Shanghai Office and explored a host of urban landmarks, including the Yu Garden and the Bund.

From July 7 to 21, the group traveled across Beijing, Xi'an, Suzhou and Shanghai. They visited China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. embassy in Beijing and many other institutions, and also took part in a series of dialogues and exchange activities.

This event is cohosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based International Student Conference and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi'an Jiaotong University.

Michael Alexander Buzzy

Just the ability to connect with so many passionate, intelligent and caring individuals and to work on shared solutions around topics that impact all of us—the ability to work in a cross-cultural manner on bilateral issues for a more hopeful future—was easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life, especially through this conference. It has forever left an indelible mark on my soul, and I feel very privileged for the opportunity and honored to have been able to participate.

Zhang Chenglin

The moment that left the deepest impression on me was our conversation with spokesperson Mao Ning.

Li Zeming

When I stepped into the Blue Hall for the first time and saw the familiar setting in real life, I was beyond words.

Dahlia Townley-Bakewell

It might be a bit strange—I've been studying Chinese for six years, but this is my first time visiting Chinese mainland. I've always been very eager to learn more about the country, so I'm truly happy that I finally have the chance to be here and to use the language I've been learning for so long.

Henry Frederick Gregory Collins

I live in a really small town that has 3,000 people. So being in a city like Shanghai or Beijing is just crazy, and I think it's something that will really stick with me. I don't see this being my last time in China. I'm really excited about the idea of coming back.

Hannah Kim

My favorite moment was taking one of those shared bicycles and riding down the streets of Shanghai, just going alongside all the cars and motorbikes next to me. It was such a thrilling experience and such a fun time.

Nicholas Tristan Sarris

I think the most memorable thing was when we were walking around Xi'an in hanfu (traditional attire of the Han Chinese), which I thought was a really nice display of the cross-cultural relationships we're trying to build.

Noah Kekoa Candelario

The biggest moment for me was going to the Suzhou Museum. I really enjoyed the architecture. I often forget that art and beauty, including architecture, makes me feel relaxed and at home, and that's a feeling I haven't had in a while.

Yang Yiting

One of the most memorable moments for me was watching The Wandering Earth one evening in Suzhou. We all cried. The fact that we could lose ourselves in an extremely moving cinematic moment was, for me, the highlight of this trip.

Krislyn Rose Massey

China is a beautiful country, and though I became known for liking all the things most people don't, like douzhi (a fermented mung bean beverage) and snacks that others tend to turn away from.

Gina Lynn Egitto

I can ask a question on Xiaohongshu and get 400 replies—and that's amazing. But I don't know those people. I don't know their age, their faces, their personalities or where they come from. So it's been incredible to actually meet Chinese students here and also to meet locals. Every single person I've met in China has been so ready to pull out a translation app. They've been so willing to help, to look out for others and to be genuinely personable.

Justin Isaiah Seymour Welch

I think that's meaningful because it allows me to feel comfortable in a new land and a culture that's very different from my own back home. It lets me be myself and bring out parts of me that I didn't know would be welcomed here.

Min Boyuan

We believe that communication and exchange between young people can transcend political differences and cultural boundaries.

Samuel Ross King

What stands out from this trip specifically is the kindness and eagerness of my fellow delegates--both on the American side and the Chinese side.

Liu Yuxuan

What impressed me the most was talking with the other delegates. When we went into deeper topics, I was really glad they responded with the utmost sincerity. They were all so genuine in sharing their thoughts and perspectives, for which I'm extremely thankful.

Erik Michael Larson

I think I'll remember the times we spent laughing together, trying new foods together and just the jokes we shared and the fun we had

Li Liao

The most valuable part of this program, for me, was the friendship it has built. We all got along incredibly well. There are so many fun photos and memes in our Photocircle album. And I think 10 years from now, these are the memories I'll cherish the most.

Lily Grace Deyi Berry

So looking back on this trip in 10 years, I think what will stand out to me most is the people—just all the friends I've made along the way and everyone I've met. They've all been such good hosts. I think that's what I'll remember most.

Wang Yiran

This program feels like a true highlight of my life—one of the most beautiful and unforgettable memories I'll ever carry with me.

Wang Sirong

At the final closing ceremony, Dahlia gave me a bouquet of flowers. It was so unexpected. To me, it encapsulates the most valuable part of this program, which is how people-to-people exchanges between China and U.S. students can leave deep and lasting marks in the long course of history.

Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel

A lot of people think that, because we're a China-U.S. conference, we're focused on international relations or policies. But the true mission of this conference is people-to-people exchange and heart-to-heart connection. I think that's what really pushed me to persevere through all the difficulties and challenge myself to reach new heights, to move beyond my small town in Tennessee and toward bigger, better things, things that I'm unfamiliar with.

Shu Xin

This program was initially just a vague idea in my mind—so to see it become a reality fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment.

Zhu Zeyu

Actually, all of us Chinese delegates have been thinking—tomorrow, we might be going to the airport to see them off. And we've already started picturing the scene—the hugs, the tears and the farewells. It is not a sad moment, because we will meet again in the future.

Cecil Kenneth Brooks, Jr.

Breaking night in Beijing with Xiaofan and Yiran, or balancing soda cans on each other in Xi'an with Chenglin and Zeyu—maybe none of these moments alone will bring or guarantee world peace, but they do guarantee joy today. A rising tide lifts all boats, and the Pacific is already smiling on us.

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Company Name: Center for the Americas, China International Communications Group

Contact Person: Peng Jiawei

Email: [email protected]

Country: People's Republic of China

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