Recently, the "Shared Journey of Friendship" U.S. Exchange Delegation, composed of nearly 190 teachers and students from 14 schools across seven U.S. states, including Washington, Illinois, Iowa and Massachusetts, arrived in Shanghai. They visited the WorldSkills Museum and other attractions in Yangpu Riverside, and engaged with students and faculty at High School Affiliated to Fudan University. This experience allowed them to immerse in Yangpu's century-old historical heritage and embark on a special citywalk.

Marveling at the joy of "interaction" at the WorldSkills Museum

At nine in the morning, the delegation arrived at Yangpu Binjiang, feeling the unique charm of this area known as the "Corridor of China's Modern Industrial Civilization". Facing majestic Yangpu Bridge, Christine Alcantara from Niles North High School in Illinois exclaimed, "Walking under this bridge at Yangpu Binjiang is awe-inspiring. The proximity of the riverside attractions, which are just a few minutes' walk away, is incredibly convenient."

Then, the delegation passed by landmarks such as Green Hill in Yangpu Binjiang and arrived at the WorldSkills Museum, embarking on a journey to discover the aesthetics of industrial heritage skills. With a focus on innovation in collaboration of hand, brain and heart, the museum is divided into six zones: "Tools and our world", "Celebrating a successful global movement", "Skills development and China" "Skills for a better world", "Skills and basic science", "Skills and industrial revolution". The museum houses a collection of over 2,000 valuable skills-related artifacts contributed by 39 members of WorldSkills International from five continents and its global partners.

"I think the WorldSkills Museum is definitely worth a visit!" exclaimed Christine Alcantara upon learning that the museum's predecessor was the century-old historical and cultural heritage building known as "Wing On Textile Storehouse". She added, "It's fantastic how this museum repurposes old buildings to create something new. We have many idle and abandoned spaces, but now we can create new things, enhancing our world with a better life."

"The joy of interaction" was a significant takeaway for many students on the delegation visiting the WorldSkills Museum. Annie He from Niles North High School noted, "This museum features a lot of interactive technologies, which I believe is appealing and entertaining for young visitors." Christine Alcantara shared that she could see, touch and interact with many items in the museum. "Most museums aren't interactive, but this is the first one that truly made me enjoy myself."

"The WorldSkills Museum captivated me with its engaging exhibits; I'm thrilled by the historical narrative of various technologies and the interactive experiences it offers—it's truly a unique encounter," said Keo Lee from Niles North High School. This was his first visit to China, which he found exhilaratingly novel. "I've already started learning Chinese, bringing along all my vocabulary flashcards and study materials to consult when visiting the museum."

Since initiating Chinese language courses in 2008, Niles North High School has seen the number of elective students expand to 11 classes. "Returning to Shanghai, my second home, fills me with joy. As an alumna of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, I feel a deep connection to Yangpu," said Wang Limin, a Chinese teacher and Head of the Chinese Club at Niles North High School in Illinois.

Experiencing the charm of a leading Chinese internet company at Meituan's headquarters

Subsequently, the delegation stepped into the verdant and dynamic land of B·Link, experiencing the metamorphosis of an old steel plant into Meituan's headquarters, where they listened to the company's development history and marveled at the charm of the leading internet company.

In the instant retail section, the narrator showed the American students the seamless process from "order placement to delivery" on Meituan's medicine purchase platform, demonstrating a fast and convenient approach to service. In addition, the staff introduced the history and working process of Meituan's autonomous delivery vehicles and drones. Everyone listened carefully to the narration, and many students marveled at the rich ancillary services provided by Meituan.

"We can see how Meituan helps others and how they create a better environment for people," said Christine Alcantara, who eagerly anticipated trying the Meituan app. "It looks very convenient, you can quickly buy coffee and food, and there is drone delivery service, which is so cool!" Raia Galimutan from Niles North High School said. "Meituan's autonomous delivery vehicles and drone deliveries seem incredibly swift, streamlining many aspects of life here."

Keo Lee expressed his particular admiration for the visual effects presented by Meituan through high-tech equipment. "Especially when the narrator showed us the information displayed on the large screen, such as data on the timing of daily purchases, it's very impressive."

Chinese and American students gather at High School Affiliated to Fudan University for a youth dialogue

That afternoon, the delegation visited High School Affiliated to Fudan University in Yangpu, engaging in a dialogue with their peers that symbolized the blossoming of friendship among the youth of both countries.

We learned that in this event, at least two American students were paired with one "study companion" each, and these "study companions" were all first or second-year students of High School Affiliated to Fudan University. Around one o'clock in the afternoon, they entered the sixth-floor lecture hall of the school's Duzhi Building, where a warm welcome ceremony began with the stirring music of Breeze of Provence performed by the school's orchestra. Following this, the two sides jointly "planted" a tree of friendship, and students from both countries engaged in a series of "ice-breaking" games. What the students anticipated most were the diverse exchange activities in the afternoon. The American students were divided into four groups to partake in activities of their choice.

"I chose to make this flocked bookmark because it sounds really cool, I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I'm very appreciative of what the teachers and students at High School Affiliated to Fudan University have done for us," said Anthonly W from Tahoe Mountain School. He utilized electrostatic flocking technology to craft a unique piece of calligraphic and painting art. The American students made bookmarks featuring words like "China", "USA", "friend" and "friendship". "I feel there're many similarities between Chinese and American students, such as our shared love for music and our own hobbies, and I also feel that Chinese students are very smart," said Anthonly W.

Kong Yu, a student from High School Affiliated to Fudan University, was assisting the American students in assembling an FRC robot. She said, "I'm working with Suhaila on a prop that our school's FRC robotics team '6907' will use in the competition. We are enjoying our collaboration immensely, and I believe she is quite talented; we'll tackle any arising difficulty together." Suhaila Imaan, a student from Phillips Academy mentioned by Kong, said while working on the prop, "Although my school has a robotics team, I've never been part of it. I find this activity to be fantastic! Since our arrival, everyone has been patient and warm in showing us around, which makes me feel that this is a truly excellent school."

Kimori Douglass, a student from Steilacoom High School, found the campus of High School Affiliated to Fudan University to be vast and reminiscent of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter series. "The students here are incredibly thoughtful and respectful towards me; they show a genuine interest in getting to know me," she said after taking part in an activity titled "Chemistry on the Tip of the Tongue", where she learned tofu making. Douglass, who enjoys tofu prepared by her mother, was fascinated by the traditional method: "The traditional way of making tofu is exquisite; I've never witnessed such a process before."

The exchange activities also included building "future" houses, conducting scientific experiments and more. The American students, adorned in traditional martial arts attire, learned the Chinese martial arts etiquette - "bow fist salute" and a range of martial flag movements. The day culminated in a lively showcase and sharing session, followed by a performance of Jasmine Flower by the choir of High School Affiliated to Fudan.

Many students on the "Shared Journey of Friendship" U.S. Exchange Delegation are from Lincoln High School in Washington, Muscatine High School in Iowa and Niles North High School in Illinois, which have been honored by visits or correspondence from President Xi Jinping. In a recent message to the delegation, President Xi Jinping expressed hope that through this visit, they would gain a deeper understanding of China, engage with Chinese youth, foster friendships, and build more bridges of mutual understanding and affection between the peoples of the two countries, thereby contributing to the friendship between China and the U.S.