The "2026 U.S. University Student Pickleball People-to-People Exchange China Tour" has brought 31 American university students and faculty to Guangzhou for exchanges spanning sports, technology and culture, giving them a firsthand look at a real and vibrant China.

Following China's previous initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchanges, a new invitation was extended this year, with China proposing to invite 100,000 young Americans to study and participate in exchanges in China over the next five years, further deepening mutual understanding and friendship between young people in China and the United States.

In the morning, the delegation visited Guangzhou-based flying car company Aridge, where they inspected equipment, watched flight demonstrations and experienced the cabin firsthand, gaining a direct sense of China's innovation in the low-altitude economy. American student Issa marveled at China's cutting-edge technological strength and said they would introduce China's latest developments to family and friends back home.

In the afternoon, the group visited Chimelong Safari Park to see the giant panda, Mei Zhu. As panda exchanges between China and the United States continue to strengthen, American student Annie described giant pandas as the warmest bridge of friendship between the two peoples, calling the experience precious and memorable.

The event was jointly organized by the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE) and other organizations. It features an integrated exchange model combining sports, culture and technology. Through pickleball activities, visits to technology companies and cultural experiences, the program helps young Americans gain a deeper understanding of China's scientific and technological capabilities, emerging industries and traditional culture, while continuing to strengthen the foundation of people-to-people friendship between China and the United States.

以球会友以心相交！美国青年走进广州读懂中国创新与温情

“2026首期美国大学生匹克球人文交流中国行”走进广州，31名美国高校师生以体育、科技、人文多维交流，近距离感知真实、鲜活的中国。

继此前邀请五万美国青少年来华交流的倡议后，中方今年再出新邀约，提出未来五年邀请十万美国青少年来华学习交流，持续深化中美青年相知相亲。

交流团上午走进广州汇天飞行汽车企业，参观设备、观摩飞行演示并登舱体验，直观感受中国低空经济创新成果。美国大学生伊萨连连惊叹中国前沿科技实力，表示回国后将向亲友推介中国发展新貌。

当日下午，代表团走进长隆野生动物世界，探访大熊猫“妹珠”。恰逢中美大熊猫友好交流热度持续升温，美国学生安妮坦言，大熊猫是两国最温暖的友谊桥梁，此行体验珍贵而美好。

本次活动由教育部中外人文交流中心等单位联合主办，主打“体育+人文+科技”融合交流模式，依托匹克球互动、科技参访、文化体验，助力美国青年深入了解中国科创实力、新兴产业与传统文化，持续夯实中美民间友好根基。

文、图｜记者 朱嘉乐 郭子扬 孙唯

译｜魏薇

英文审校｜曾敏